Bengaluru: A major twist has emerged in the sensational ₹7.11-crore ATM cash van robbery, with Bengaluru Police suspending Govindapura Police Constable Annappa Nayak for his alleged involvement. The suspension order was issued by DCP (East) Devaraj, after evidence indicated that Annappa—who previously worked on the crime beat—may have been part of the gang that executed the high-value heist.
According to investigators, most of the accused were drowning in heavy personal debts, leading them to conspire together for a “big score”. Those arrested include Constable Annappa, former security agency employee Xavier, brothers Ravi and Rakesh, and associates Naveen and Gopi. Police say the group had turned to gambling, alcohol and borrowing from multiple sources, pushing them towards planning the robbery.
How the Robbery Was Planned
Police interrogation revealed the accused had carefully chosen Wednesday for the heist, as CMS cash vans typically carry larger amounts mid-week. On November 19, after the cash van was intercepted near Dairy Circle, the accused fled with ₹7.11 crore and headed towards Chittoor.
Escape Route & Forest Hideout
To avoid getting caught at toll gates, the gang allegedly drove through service roads, crossed lake embankments, and eventually entered Chittapalli forest, a red-sanders-infested zone known for its difficult terrain. There, they spent hours hiding, even conducting a small “celebration” with the stolen cash.
Police tracked the rented vehicle using its GPS, after the rental company alerted them. A police team traced the signals to Chittoor and recovered a major portion of the cash.
Major Recoveries So Far
Bengaluru Police have recovered ₹6.29 crore, while multiple teams are searching for the missing ₹82 lakh. The accused, during interrogation, revealed how they split up and travelled across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to evade capture.
One of the key accused, Ravi’s brother Rakesh, surrendered at Siddapura Police Station last night, while police continue to hunt for the seventh accused, Dinesh, who is suspected to be carrying the remaining cash.
Home Minister lauds police
Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara praised the swift action of the Bengaluru Police:
“I congratulate the police team once again. Strict action will be taken against any official found involved. Suspension, dismissal or criminal cases—nothing will be spared.”
The Bengaluru Police’s rapid investigation—cracking the case within 60 hours—has drawn statewide appreciation. Searches are ongoing to recover the remaining cash and capture the final absconding accused.
Also Read: Bengaluru Daylight Robbery: Fake RBI Officers Steal ₹7.11 Crore From CMS Cash Van
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