Brazen Daylight Robbery in Hyderabad's Commercial Heart
In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through Hyderabad's commercial district, a 26-year-old garments merchant from Kerala was brutally attacked and robbed of a substantial sum of money. The brazen crime occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning outside the State Bank of India's main branch at Koti, a bustling area known for its banking and business activities.
Victim Targeted While Depositing Cash
The victim, identified as PV Rinshad from Kozhikode, Kerala, had arrived at the bank around 6:50 AM to deposit ₹6 lakh in cash at the ATM. According to police investigations, Rinshad trades in readymade children's wear and had been staying at Janath apartments in Nampally. He frequently travels between Kerala and Telangana for his business operations.
Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar provided detailed insights into the sequence of events: "While Rinshad was depositing the cash, two unidentified persons approached him from behind and threatened him by pressing a firearm against his abdomen. While snatching the cash bag, the assailants fired two rounds and one of them hit Rinshad in his right leg, causing a bleeding injury. The accused snatched the cash bag and the scooter keys from the victim before fleeing on his vehicle."
Business Trip Turns Violent
Investigations revealed that Rinshad had arrived in Hyderabad on January 7 with ₹6 lakh intended for purchasing wholesale stock at Dewan Devdi. When the deal did not materialize due to unavailability of specific stock, his cousin advised him to deposit the cash in his bank account for safety.
On Saturday morning, Rinshad borrowed a scooter from a local friend named Ameer and proceeded to the SBI branch. He parked the vehicle near the ATM kiosk on Bank Street, adjacent to the bank premises. The two assailants reportedly approached the ATM from the nearby bus stop, taking advantage of the early morning hours when foot traffic was minimal.
Police Response and Investigation
Alerted by bank security personnel, Sultan Bazar police rushed to the scene and immediately shifted the injured merchant to a nearby hospital. Khairatabad DCP K Shilpavalli confirmed: "The victim is out of danger and said he does not know the assailants."
The Clues team recovered two bullet casings from the crime scene, with preliminary analysis suggesting the attackers used a country-made weapon. Police teams have been meticulously scanning CCTV footage from the crime scene and surrounding areas, which revealed crucial details about the perpetrators.
Escape Route and Manhunt
CCTV footage showed that while one assailant wore a face mask, the other had a cap, suggesting some level of planning to avoid identification. The duo initially fled towards the Chaderghat traffic signal before abandoning the stolen scooter at Nimboliadda in Kacheguda. An investigator revealed: "After changing their clothes, they escaped on foot towards Kacheguda X Roads."
Based on Rinshad's formal complaint, Sultan Bazar police have registered a case under multiple sections:
- Section 109 (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Section 309 (robbery) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Section 27 of the Arms Act
In response to the serious nature of the crime, Hyderabad police have formed five special teams comprising personnel from local police, task force, and central crime station units. These teams are working round-the-clock to identify and apprehend the accused, with particular focus on tracing their movements through the city's surveillance network.
Broader Implications for Business Security
This incident has raised concerns about security in Hyderabad's commercial zones, particularly for businesspeople carrying substantial cash for transactions. The attack occurred in what is considered a relatively secure area with banking infrastructure and regular police patrols, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures during early morning hours when banks see customers arriving for cash deposits.
Merchants and business travelers who frequently operate between states have expressed anxiety about carrying cash for business purposes, with many calling for improved security protocols around banking facilities and better coordination between business communities and law enforcement agencies.
The Hyderabad police have assured the public that they are treating this case with utmost priority and have deployed additional resources to ensure such incidents don't recur in the city's commercial hubs. The investigation continues as authorities piece together evidence from the crime scene, CCTV footage, and witness accounts to build a comprehensive case against the perpetrators.
