Chandigarh CTU Cash Theft: Accused Sub-Inspector Sent Stolen Rs 13 Lakh to Sonipat via Nephew
A significant development has surfaced in the Rs 13 lakh theft case at the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) cash branch located in the Sector 17 bus stand. According to police sources, the arrested accused, CTU sub-inspector Ved Pal, allegedly dispatched the stolen funds to Sonipat through his nephew. In response, the UT crime branch team has departed for Sonipat to pursue this lead and gather additional evidence.
Arrests and Background of the Accused
Just a day prior, the crime branch apprehended two individuals in connection with this high-profile theft. The primary suspect is Ved Pal, aged 45, who serves as a sub-inspector with the CTU. His nephew, Prashant, originally from Sonipat district in Haryana but residing in Sector-27, Chandigarh, was also taken into custody. Ved Pal is employed at the CTU workshop situated in Industrial Area, Phase-1, which adds a layer of internal involvement to the crime.
Complaint and Initial Discovery of the Theft
The complaint was lodged by Pradeep Kumar, a resident of Zirakpur (Mohali), who works as a cashier in the CTU department. Currently posted at the depot-11 cash branch in Industrial Area Phase-1, he also holds additional responsibility for the ISBT-17 cash branch. Kumar recounted that around 8 am on Tuesday, he received a call from CTU inspector Ravinder Singh, alerting him to the robbery at the cash branch. This notification set the investigative wheels in motion.
Detailed Account of the Robbery Incident
The investigation has pieced together a detailed sequence of events leading to the theft. During the night shift from 10 pm to 6 am, security guard Gaurav Rawat was on duty in room number 83 at ISBT-17, where the cash branch is housed. At approximately 3:30 am, a man dressed in attire resembling a police uniform, with his face concealed, approached Rawat. Claiming to be a police officer, he expressed intent to investigate alleged illegal activities in the record room and referenced the names of officers stationed there.
Trusting the impersonator, Gaurav Rawat permitted entry and, following instructions, retrieved the record room key to unlock the door. Subsequently, the accused locked Rawat inside the record room and proceeded to the cash branch. There, he utilized the locker key to steal approximately Rs 13,13,710 in cash before making a swift escape.
Discovery and Aftermath of the Crime
The theft was discovered at 4:30 am when conductor Sushila Devi arrived for her duty. She found the cash branch doors ajar and promptly freed the trapped security guard from the record room. Following this alarming discovery, Pradeep Kumar formally filed a complaint at the Sector 17 police station, initiating the legal and investigative processes. The case highlights critical vulnerabilities in security protocols at public transport facilities and underscores the need for enhanced vigilance.
