Bengaluru: A Criminal Investigation Department (CID) inspector has gone into hiding after allegedly masterminding the robbery of ₹20 lakh from Kerala-based businessmen at a hotel in Madiwala by posing the act as an official police operation.
The accused, identified as CID Inspector Mahesh Kanakagiri, is currently absconding. One of his alleged accomplices, Kupendra, was arrested on June 17, and his interrogation reportedly led investigators to the alleged involvement of the inspector.
Police have launched a manhunt to trace the absconding officer and the remaining accused.
Businessmen allegedly robbed in fake police operation
According to investigators, the Kerala-based businessmen had checked into a private hotel in Madiwala carrying cash intended for trading purposes.
Police said Mahesh Kanakagiri allegedly received information about the businessmen and the money they were carrying and subsequently hatched a plan with four associates identified as Harris, Kupendra, Shafi and Shani.
As part of the alleged plan, an official CID vehicle was parked outside the hotel on June 16 while the inspector reportedly remained inside the vehicle.
Two of the accused allegedly entered the businessmen’s hotel room, introduced themselves as police personnel and displayed the inspector’s official identity card to gain the victims’ trust.
They allegedly informed the businessmen that they were carrying cash illegally, threatened them under the guise of an official inquiry and seized ₹20 lakh before fleeing in the waiting CID vehicle.
Victims initially believed it was genuine police action
Investigators said the businessmen initially believed the operation was genuine and assumed that the seizure had been carried out legally by the police.
However, after developing suspicions regarding the incident, they approached the Madiwala Police Station and lodged a complaint.
The complaint prompted an immediate investigation by the police.
Arrest of accomplice cracks case
Police worked through the night to trace the accused and managed to arrest Kupendra.
During interrogation, Kupendra allegedly revealed that CID Inspector Mahesh Kanakagiri had planned and executed the robbery using official resources, including a government vehicle and his identity card.
Following the arrest, the inspector and the three other accused reportedly went into hiding.
Police have seized the CID jeep allegedly used in the crime and are examining evidence collected during the investigation.
Manhunt underway
Multiple police teams have been formed to trace the absconding suspects.
Senior officers are also investigating whether the inspector may have been involved in similar incidents in the past.
The case has raised serious concerns about the alleged misuse of official authority and government resources for criminal activities.
A case has been registered at the Madiwala Police Station, and further investigations are underway.
Police officials said efforts are being intensified to apprehend the absconding inspector and his associates and recover the stolen money.