A driver employed by a cash management company in Chennai has been apprehended for allegedly stealing Rs 25 lakh from a van used to replenish ATMs of private banks. The accused, identified as Vignesh Kumar (27), worked for Hitech Cash Management, a firm responsible for cash replenishment services for various private bank ATM centres across the city.
The Incident
The theft came to light during a routine cash reconciliation process conducted by the company. Aravindan, the manager of the firm, noticed a shortage of funds and immediately initiated an internal investigation. Upon reviewing CCTV footage from inside the van, it was observed that Vignesh Kumar removed cash from boxes while company staff were replenishing cash at an ATM centre. He remained alone inside the vehicle during the cash-loading operation and used the opportunity to steal Rs 25 lakh from the cash boxes.
Arrest and Recovery
Following the discovery, the company filed a complaint with the police, who registered a case and launched a manhunt. The police tracked down and arrested Vignesh Kumar. During the investigation, law enforcement officials recovered Rs 8 lakh from his possession. The remaining amount is still being traced.
The police are further interrogating the accused to ascertain if he had any accomplices or if he had stashed the stolen money elsewhere. The incident highlights security vulnerabilities in cash handling procedures, prompting companies to review their protocols.
