Fake Journalist Arrested In ₹1 Crore Robbery Attempt On Pune Businessman; Two Police Personnel On The Run

Pune: A man posing as a journalist has been arrested for allegedly attempting to rob a Pune-based businessman carrying ₹1 crore in cash on the Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway near Navale Bridge. Police have also named two serving police personnel as accused in the case, both of whom are currently absconding.

The arrested accused has been identified as Ashish Tiwari. The other accused include Ganesh Kadam, Vikram Chakankar, Amey Karle, and another unidentified suspect who is yet to be traced. Police have also booked a woman police constable and a constable posted at the Khed Shivapur police outpost for their alleged involvement.

Businessman Allegedly Lured Away From Bank Route

According to the investigation, the complainant, a stationery businessman from Talegaon Dabhade, was travelling on Saturday afternoon with ₹1 crore in cash to deposit it at a private bank. He was accompanied by an associate and was travelling in a vehicle driven by Chakankar.

Police allege that Chakankar, who was allegedly part of the conspiracy, diverted the vehicle towards Navale Bridge instead of proceeding to the bank. There, two men posing as police officers intercepted the vehicle, claiming they had received information about illegal cash being transported. They allegedly attempted to seize the money under the guise of an official inspection.

Fake Journalist Allegedly Tried to Take Custody of Cash

Investigators said the businessman and the cash were then taken to the Khed Shivapur police outpost. During the proceedings, Ashish Tiwari allegedly identified himself as a journalist and attempted to take possession of the cash, allegedly to make the operation appear genuine.

However, the businessman reportedly resisted, preventing the accused from fleeing with the entire amount.

Police Personnel Also Under Investigation

During the probe, investigators uncovered evidence suggesting that the conspiracy may have involved personnel posted at the police outpost. Police allege that after the businessman reached the outpost, Tiwari and a woman police constable removed ₹20 lakh from the cash bag.

The alleged involvement of serving police personnel has significantly widened the scope of the investigation.

CCTV Footage Provides Crucial Evidence

Although the Khed Shivapur police outpost reportedly does not have CCTV cameras inside the premises, investigators examined surveillance footage from cameras installed outside.

According to police, the footage allegedly shows Tiwari concealing the stolen cash in the storage compartment of his scooter. The video is expected to play a key role in the investigation.

Search Underway for Remaining Accused

Police have arrested Tiwari and launched a search for the absconding police personnel and the remaining suspects. Investigators are also working to recover the missing cash and establish the full sequence of events.

Senior police officials have stated that strict action will be taken against anyone found involved in the alleged conspiracy, irrespective of their position or rank. The investigation is ongoing.