In a dramatic and unprecedented crime, a group of unidentified men posing as Reserve Bank of India (RBI) officials intercepted an ATM cash van and escaped with ₹7 crore on Wednesday, triggering a massive police investigation across the city. A day after the incident, CCTV footage emerged showing the cash van departing a bank moments before the heist.

Heist executed near Ashoka Pillar

The robbery occurred near the Ashoka Pillar junction when the cash vehicle was transporting currency from a JP Nagar bank branch. Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects arrived in an SUV carrying a Government of India sticker, using the disguise to halt the van under the pretext of verifying documents.

Once the vehicle stopped, the men allegedly forced the cash custodians and armed personnel into their car. They then drove towards Dairy Circle, where they dropped off the staff and sped away with the cash-loaded van compartment or cash boxes, according to police officials.

The incident has shocked the city, with officials stating that such a well-planned impersonation-based heist has never been reported in Bengaluru before.

CCTV footage and early leads

A CCTV clip has surfaced showing the van leaving the bank earlier in the day. Police are now examining more than 50 CCTV cameras along the suspected route to track the getaway vehicle and identify the culprits.

The footage is expected to play a crucial role in reconstructing the movement of the van and the SUV used by the fake officials.

City police commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh said the incident took place on Wednesday afternoon, and although approximately ₹7 crore was reported stolen, the exact amount is still being verified. The transport driver allegedly failed to provide accurate details immediately after the incident, leading to initial confusion.

Home Minister: A first-of-its-kind incident

Karnataka Home Minister H Parameshwara addressed the media on Thursday, terming the heist “a first of its kind in Bengaluru.” He added that the accused seemed to have precise information about the money being transported and that investigators are now probing potential tip-offs.

He said that the police have obtained “important leads” and are confident the perpetrators will be arrested soon. Teams on the ground and at control rooms have been activated, with two DCPs and a Joint Commissioner leading the probe.

Roadblocks have been placed across Bengaluru, and special teams are tracking possible routes taken by the robbers.

FIR details reveal sequence of events

The FIR filed by the branch manager of CMS Inno System Ltd under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita outlines the sequence of events:

  • At 9:30 am, the company vehicle left for banking rounds.
  • By 12:24 pm, staff withdrew ₹7.11 crore from the HDFC Currency Chest in JP Nagar.
  • While travelling towards Lalbagh Siddapura Gate, an SUV intercepted the van.
  • Around six men exited the vehicle, claiming to be RBI officials.
  • They took custodian Afthab and gunmen Rajanna and Tammayya into their car and instructed the driver to keep driving.
  • Later, they intimidated the driver, took the entire ₹7.11 crore, and fled.

This detailed sequence suggests a meticulously planned operation, likely executed with insider information.

Investigators probe insider angle

Authorities are now examining how the robbers knew the precise timing, route, and cash volume being transported. The delay in reporting the incident, the number of security personnel, and whether all protocols were followed are also being scrutinised.

Police sources said the sophistication of the crime indicates that the attackers may not be from Bengaluru alone and could have carried out similar crimes elsewhere.

Conclusion

The Bengaluru ₹7 crore cash van heist has exposed vulnerabilities in cash transport operations and raised serious concerns over impersonation-based crimes. With over 50 CCTV footages under review and multiple police teams deployed, investigators believe arrests could be imminent. The case continues to unfold as authorities track leads and piece together the movements of the suspects.