Bengaluru Police Submit Extensive Chargesheet in Major ATM Cash Van Robbery
Siddapura police in Bengaluru have formally filed a comprehensive 1,328-page chargesheet before the 56th ACMM Court, targeting nine individuals implicated in the high-profile Rs 7.1 crore ATM cash van heist that occurred on November 19 last year. The accused include suspended police constable Annappa Naik, marking a significant development in this elaborate criminal case.
Details of the Daring Robbery on Dairy Circle Flyover
The audacious robbery unfolded on the Dairy Circle flyover when a cash transportation vehicle operated by CMS Infosystem Ltd, which was carrying substantial funds for HDFC Bank, was intercepted by a gang masquerading as Reserve Bank of India officials. The perpetrators allegedly restrained the vehicle's staff members and successfully made off with the massive sum of money, creating a major security incident in the city.
Comprehensive Evidence and Investigative Efforts
The voluminous chargesheet meticulously documents 129 distinct pieces of evidence gathered during the investigation. This evidence portfolio includes crucial eyewitness testimonies, extensive technical data analysis, and forensic materials such as fingerprints belonging to the accused individuals. The investigative team was spearheaded by ACP Narayana Swamy V from the Jayanagar subdivision, with collaborative support from Siddapura, Jayanagar, and South Cyber Crime police units.
The accused now face multiple serious charges under the Indian Penal Code, including dacoity, wrongful restraint, criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence, and criminal intimidation. These charges reflect the gravity of the organized crime operation that was executed with precision planning.
Key Accused and Their Roles in the Elaborate Scheme
Police investigators have identified J Xavier and Ravi as the principal masterminds behind the robbery operation. Annappa Naik, the suspended police constable, has been listed as a co-accused alongside seven other individuals: Gopal, Rakesh, Naveen, Nelson, Dinesh, and Jitesh.
The investigation revealed that Gopal, who was employed by CMS Infosystem at the time, allegedly provided insider information to Xavier, a former employee of the company, regarding the scheduled cash movement. This tip-off reportedly included details about alleged violations of Reserve Bank of India norms concerning the transportation of large cash sums.
Annappa Naik, believing the transported money to be hawala funds, joined the criminal team and played a crucial role in arranging rental vehicles for the gang's operation. Unbeknownst to the perpetrators, these vehicles were equipped with GPS tracking technology, which ultimately proved to be their undoing.
Successful Recovery of Stolen Funds Through Technical Tracking
Utilizing the GPS tracking data from the rental vehicles, police investigators were able to trace the movements of the culprits with remarkable precision. This technological advantage led to the recovery of approximately Rs 5.6 crore from a location in Hoskote, with the remaining stolen cash subsequently seized from various other states across the country.
The meticulous investigation and subsequent chargesheet filing represent a significant breakthrough in combating organized financial crimes in Bengaluru, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated police efforts and technological tools in solving complex criminal cases.
