Seventh Suspect Arrested in Bengaluru ATM Van Heist

Bengaluru city police on Sunday arrested the seventh suspect in the ₹7.11 crore cash van robbery that rattled the city earlier this week. The suspect, identified as Rakesh, was linked to one of the men already in custody and was picked up in Bengaluru late Saturday night. Police say the new arrest comes as investigators have already recovered ₹6.2 crore from six other accused, with more cash still to be traced.

From the outset, the case has appeared to involve insider help. Among those nabbed earlier were former CMS Info Systems employees, a man described as the fleet in-charge responsible for operating the cash-transport vehicles, and Annappa Naik, a police constable attached to Govindapura police station. The investigation teams say the operation was the product of coordinated work by over 200 officers deployed to crack the case.

Authorities say the plan unfolded over about three months, with the target date aligning with the area's peak cash replenishment schedule. The heist, carried out in broad daylight, raised alarm as the cash van was targeted during routine cash movements, and the planning reportedly involved meticulous scheduling and route selection.

Amid the case, the home minister issued a warning that any police personnel found involved in the crime would face dismissal and strict disciplinary action. The message underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating insider crimes within security services.

With the seventh arrest, investigators say they are inching closer to a complete picture of how the Rs 7.11 crore vanished and how most of it was recovered. Police say more recoveries could follow as the probe expands to trace the remaining cash and identify other conspirators.

Cover image source: Inside Bengaluru’s cash van heist: 3 months of planning ends in police breakthrough 🔗

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