Bengaluru: A Tamil Nadu couple lost cash, a demand draft and valuables worth around Rs 23 lakh after unidentified miscreants allegedly used a diversion tactic to rob them on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

The incident was reported near Guddahatti Gate on Hosur Road in Anekal taluk at around 2 pm on Friday. Police suspect the accused had been following the couple from the sub-registrar’s office after they completed a property sale transaction.

The complainant, identified as N Krishna Mohan (65), a resident of Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu, had travelled to Anekal along with his wife to complete the sale of a property.

Diversion tactic used to target couple

According to police, after finishing formalities at the sub-registrar’s office, the couple was travelling by car when they noticed that one of the vehicle’s tyres had deflated.

At that moment, an unidentified man reportedly approached them and offered assistance in locating a nearby puncture repair shop. Trusting the stranger, Mohan accompanied him to search for help while his wife remained near a petrol bunk making enquiries about puncture shops in the area.

Police said the accused appear to have carefully planned the distraction.

While the couple’s attention was diverted, the miscreants allegedly smashed the front windshield of the parked car and escaped with cash, a demand draft and other valuables, including a gold ornament.

The total value of the stolen property is estimated to be around Rs 23 lakh.

Police suspect planned robbery

Investigators believe the accused may have followed the couple from the sub-registrar’s office after noticing that they were carrying a large amount of money related to the property transaction.

“We suspect that the accused was following the complainant from the sub-registrar’s office,” police officials said.

The modus operandi resembles several previous diversion theft cases reported on Bengaluru’s outskirts, where criminals target individuals carrying cash after bank or property transactions.

Police suspect the tyre deflation could have been deliberately caused by the gang to create an opportunity for the theft.

Investigation underway

A case has been registered and police teams are examining CCTV footage from nearby roads, petrol bunks and commercial establishments to identify the suspects.

Officials are also trying to trace the movements of the accused before and after the robbery. Authorities have urged people carrying large amounts of cash or valuables to remain cautious and avoid trusting strangers offering unsolicited assistance.

The incident has once again highlighted the growing concern over organised theft gangs operating around Bengaluru’s suburban areas, especially near property registration offices and highways.

Police have advised citizens to immediately contact authorities if they suspect they are being followed after financial transactions.

Further investigation into the case is currently underway.