Bengaluru police arrested a CID inspector and two of his associates late Friday for allegedly snatching a cash bag containing Rs 20 lakh from a Kerala businessman earlier this week. The officer, identified as Mahesh Kanakagiri, along with Vasanth Kumar and Kupendra Reddy, was taken into custody based on a complaint filed by the victim, Junish Babu AK, 40.
Details of the Incident
According to police, the incident occurred five days ago when Kanakagiri, aided by four associates, conducted a fake raid at a hotel near Silk Board in Bengaluru. The team used a police jeep bearing the CID insignia and accused the businessman of involvement in illegal activities such as money laundering and drug peddling. The complainant had come to Bengaluru on June 15 with a friend for business purposes and was staying at the hotel.
Senior police officials stated that the accused had previously contacted Junish regarding trading and directed him to bring money for high-return investments. When Junish and his friend checked into the hotel, the team, led by Kanakagiri, arrived in a Mahindra Bolero belonging to the police department. While Kanakagiri remained inside the vehicle, his associates went to the victim's room, using the inspector's identity card to pose as officials.
The Robbery
Under the guise of an inquiry, the gang demanded that Junish hand over his cash bag. When he refused, they allegedly assaulted him and his friend and forcibly took the bag containing Rs 20 lakh. The victim approached Madiwala police and filed a complaint on Thursday.
Police examined hotel CCTV footage, which showed the CID vehicle at the scene. Investigators traced the SUV to Inspector Kanakagiri's residence and seized it. Subsequently, Vasanth Kumar and Kupendra Reddy were arrested, while Kanakagiri initially went missing.
Investigation and Arrests
Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh instructed officers to prioritize the case. A team led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (Madiwala) VK Vasudev took over the probe. A majority of the stolen amount has been recovered. Kanakagiri was detained on Friday night and is being interrogated. Two other associates, Hussain and Sahil, remain at large. Police are also verifying the antecedents of the complainant.
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