In a major breakthrough, Bengaluru police have arrested three persons — including a serving police constable — in connection with the sensational Rs7.11 crore daylight ATM cash van heist that took place on Wednesday. Investigators have revealed that the constable played a central role in planning and executing the robbery.
According to police sources, Annappa Naik, a constable attached to Govindapura police station, has been arrested by South Division police. Preliminary investigations indicate that he was the mastermind, coaching the gang from Kammanahalli and Kalyananagar on how to intercept the CMS cash replenishment vehicle, execute the robbery, and evade detection. He had allegedly trained them on police procedures to help them escape.
As per the plan, the gang stopped the CMS vehicle by posing as RBI officials near South End Circle and fled with Rs7.11 crore in cash. Initial findings suggest that former CMS employees were also involved and had hidden the cash somewhere in Bengaluru before escaping.
Acting on Home Minister Dr G. Parameshwara’s directive to identify the culprits within 24 hours, police intensified the investigation and circulated photos of suspects shortly after gathering key clues.
In a parallel operation, two more accused linked to the same robbery were arrested in Tirupati. A CCB team, assisted by Chittoor police, detained the suspects in a coordinated interstate operation. They reportedly provided critical leads about the remaining gang members.
Meanwhile, the Innova car used in the heist was found abandoned near Tirupati and has been seized by the South Division police.
Police teams from Bengaluru and Tirupati are now conducting exhaustive searches across hotels, lodges, and temple areas as part of the ongoing hunt. Over 20 individuals, including HDFC Bank staff and CMS employees, have been questioned.
Special investigation teams continue to work around the clock to trace the remaining accused and recover the stolen cash.
