Men Posing as Tax Officials Rob ATM Cash Van, Escape With ₹7 Crore in Bengaluru
Men Posing as Tax Officials Rob ATM Cash Van, Escape With ₹7 Crore in Bengaluru
Bengaluru was shaken by a bold daytime robbery on Tuesday when a group of men, allegedly posing as Central Government Tax Officials, intercepted a cash-laden ATM van and escaped with a staggering Rs 7 crore. The incident occurred near Ashoka Pillar in Jayanagar, where the perpetrators claimed they needed to “inspect documents and verify the cash,” quickly taking control of the van within minutes.
Police reports revealed that the CMS-operated van was transporting cash from the HDFC Bank branch in JP Nagar when an Innova vehicle suddenly blocked its path. The assailants reportedly forced the van’s staff into their car along with the cash boxes, driving towards Dairy Circle before abandoning the staff on a flyover and speeding away with the money. Investigators believe the gang made their escape via Bannerghatta Road.
A citywide manhunt has been launched by the South Division police, with multiple checkpoints set up and special attention given to grey Innova cars matching the suspects’ description. Officers are examining CCTV footage from key locations, including Jayanagar, Dairy Circle, and Bannerghatta Road, to trace the movement of the getaway vehicle.
DCP South, Lokesh Jagalasur, stated that no official briefing will be issued until all details are received from the complainant, assuring the media will be updated as more information becomes available.
In another briefing, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh confirmed that preliminary investigations indicate the suspects used a car carrying a “Government of India” sticker to halt the cash van, claiming it was for document verification. Singh noted that while around Rs 7 crore was reportedly stolen, the exact amount is still being verified, as discrepancies remain in the information provided by the cash van driver.
The Commissioner also mentioned that the exact number of suspects involved remains unclear, and verification is underway regarding the security personnel and the arms they carried during the incident. He added that the delay in reporting the crime is being thoroughly investigated to ensure all angles are covered.
State Home Minister G Parameshwara emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, “We are determined to track down those responsible. At this stage, we do not know who had prior knowledge of the cash movement. However, leads have been identified, and efforts are underway to apprehend the culprits. Whether they are from Karnataka or other states will also be investigated.”
Political reactions have been swift, with BJP leader R Ashoka criticizing the state administration, asserting that such incidents of theft have tarnished the image of ‘Brand Bengaluru.’
This unprecedented daylight heist has left the city on high alert. Law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to recover the stolen funds and bring the criminals to justice.
