In a sensational twist, Chhatarpur police in Madhya Pradesh cracked the Rs61 lakh cash van robbery reported on Independence Day, revealing that the complainant himself—Manish Ahirwar, an ATM franchise operator—orchestrated the crime to escape heavy debt.
On August 15, Manish filed a complaint at Gaurihar police station, claiming unknown assailants looted the money en route to loading Hitachi ATMs.
But during the investigation, authorities uncovered that Manish, along with his brother Pushpendra Singh Ahirwar, had staged the robbery with the help of relatives Pradeep Ahirwar and Ravi Ahirwar.
According to police:
The money was withdrawn from Mahoba Axis Bank
Pradeep and Ravi, on a motorcycle, intercepted the cash van at gunpoint, faked the robbery, and escaped with the cash
The motive was to claim insurance and repay debts, as Manish owed nearly Rs53 lakh and had prior disputes with another ATM operator involving Rs17 lakh
Police recovered:
Rs61 lakh in cash
A .315 bore illegal pistol
Five mobile phones
A car and motorcycle
Manish Kumar Ahirwar – Mastermind, Hitachi ATM operator from Mahoba (UP)
Pushpendra Singh Ahirwar – His brother, from Chhatarpur
Pradeep Ahirwar – Accomplice with prior criminal record (loot, theft, rape)
Ravi Ahirwar – Cousin and co-conspirator, also from Chhatarpur
All accused are in custody, and legal action is underway. Investigations continue into possible past frauds linked to the group.
