Bengaluru: A gang of four men allegedly posing as police officers barged into the house of a city-based real estate developer, Hombalegowda, at BEL Layout on February 16 and robbed the family of Rs 20 lakh in cash and around half a kg of gold jewellery. Police have registered a case and launched a manhunt after forming special investigation teams.
According to the complaint, the accused arrived at the residence when the 53-year-old businessman was at home along with his wife Mangalamma and their grandchildren. Two of the four suspects entered the house wearing what appeared to be police uniforms and claimed they were from the Yelahanka Police Station, making their presence appear official.
Entry made in the name of enquiry
Investigators said the suspects carried a bag and a diary resembling those typically used by police personnel, which helped them gain the confidence of the family. Believing them to be genuine officers, the household allowed them inside without resistance.
Soon after entering, the two men allegedly turned aggressive and threatened the couple with weapons. Police said the accused displayed a gun and a knife to intimidate the victims and prevent them from raising an alarm.
While the two uniformed impersonators went inside, the other two members of the gang reportedly remained outside the house, acting as lookouts and ensuring that no neighbours or passersby interfered.
Couple restrained with tape
During the robbery, the accused allegedly restrained Hombalegowda and his wife using black tape, limiting their movement and ability to call for help. With the couple tied up, the suspects then proceeded to search the house thoroughly.
They reportedly ransacked the bedroom and storage areas, opening cupboards and lockers in search of cash and valuables. Police said the operation appeared planned and targeted, suggesting prior reconnaissance or background information about the family.
The gang made away with about Rs 20 lakh in cash, approximately half a kg of gold ornaments, and the couple’s mobile phones before fleeing the spot. Taking the phones is believed to have been a deliberate move to delay immediate police contact.
Robbery carried out in coordinated manner
Preliminary investigation indicates that the crime was executed in a coordinated manner with clear division of roles among the four accused. While two handled intimidation and collection of valuables inside the house, the others monitored the surroundings.
Police suspect the gang may have used a vehicle parked at some distance from the residence to avoid drawing attention. Investigators are checking entry and exit routes in the area and scanning footage from multiple cameras.
Officers said impersonation of police personnel is treated as a serious offence in addition to charges of armed robbery, criminal intimidation, wrongful restraint and conspiracy.
Case registered, special teams formed
After freeing themselves, the victims alerted the police, who reached the scene and recorded statements. A formal case has been registered, and two special teams have been formed to trace and arrest the absconding accused.
Police are currently scrutinising CCTV footage from the layout, nearby junctions and approach roads to identify the suspects and track their movement. Technical teams are also working to trace the stolen mobile phones and analyse possible tower location data.
Investigators are checking whether similar impersonation-based robberies have been reported in recent weeks and whether the same gang could be involved.
Advisory to residents on verification
Following the incident, police have advised residents — especially senior citizens and business families — to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a police or government official before allowing entry into their homes. Citizens have been urged to ask for official ID cards and confirm credentials by calling the concerned police station.
Officers said genuine police visits are usually documented and verifiable through control rooms or local stations. They also encouraged installation of door cameras and visitor verification systems in independent houses.
Conclusion
The daring daylight-style home robbery using fake police uniforms has raised fresh concerns about impersonation crimes targeting affluent households. With special teams on the job and CCTV analysis underway, police say they are confident of identifying the suspects soon. Meanwhile, residents have been urged to remain cautious and verify credentials before granting access to unknown visitors.