Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Nov 21: In a major breakthrough, police have arrested three persons — including a serving police constable — in connection with the sensational Rs 7.11 crore daylight heist that took place in Bengaluru two days ago. Investigations have revealed that the constable played a key role in planning and executing the robbery. The theft had occurred when the CMS vehicle carrying money for Bengaluru ATMs was stopped by the gang posing as RBI officials near South End Circle on Wednesday afternoon.
According to police sources, Annappa Naik, a constable attached to Govindapura police station, has been arrested by the South Division police. Preliminary investigation suggests that he was the mastermind behind the entire operation. He is alleged to have prepared the gang from Kammanahalli and Kalyananagar, instructing them on how to carry out the robbery and how to escape afterward. He had also reportedly trained them on police working patterns.
As planned, the Kammanahalli–Kalyananagar gang intercepted a CMS Security Agency vehicle transporting cash and decamped with Rs 7.11 crore. Initial findings indicate that former employees of CMS were also involved and had hidden the stolen cash somewhere in Bengaluru before fleeing.
Following the directions of Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara to trace the culprits within 24 hours, the police intensified the investigation and released photos of the suspects soon after gathering clues.
In a parallel operation, two more accused involved in the same ATM cash heist were arrested in Tirupati.
A CCB team, with the assistance of Chittoor police in Andhra Pradesh, arrested the two accused in Tirupati. Sources confirmed that the arrested duo were detained during a coordinated operation. The accused have reportedly provided crucial information about the remaining members of the gang, helping the police widen the search.
Meanwhile, the Innova car used for the robbery was also found abandoned near Tirupati. Based on confirmed information, the vehicle was seized by South Division police. The accused had abandoned the car in the area before fleeing with the cash.
Police teams from Bengaluru and Tirupati have launched an intensive search operation around hotels, lodges and temple areas as the hunt continues for the remaining accused. Over 20 people, including HDFC Bank staff and CMS personnel, have been questioned based on the timeline of the incident.
Special teams formed for the investigation are working around the clock to crack the case completely and arrest the remaining suspects.