Bengaluru was shaken on Wednesday afternoon after an audacious, film-style heist unfolded in the middle of a bustling area. A well-organised gang, impersonating Reserve Bank of India (RBI) officials, intercepted an ATM cash van and escaped with over ₹7 crore in cash within just 30 minutes. The precision of the plan and the professional execution have raised serious questions about internal leaks and security lapses.
How the ₹7 Crore Heist Happened – The Full Sequence of Events
The incident took place near Ashok Pillar Junction around 12:24 pm. A CMS cash van had collected ₹7.11 crore from the HDFC currency chest in JP Nagar and was heading out to refill multiple ATMs across the city.
At that moment, an SUV bearing a “Government of India” sticker abruptly stopped in front of the van. Five to six individuals stepped out, confidently introduced themselves as RBI officials, and summoned the van staff under the pretext of a document inspection.
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Within minutes, they forced the custodian and two gunmen into another vehicle and instructed the driver to continue moving the cash van. According to the FIR, the gang was armed with at least one pistol, which they used to threaten the driver.
The cash van was driven to the Dairy Circle flyover, where the gang made the driver halt. They then shifted all the cash trunks into their vehicles and escaped. In a critical tactical move, they removed the DVR from the van, ensuring no internal CCTV footage would be available for investigators.
Police Launch Multi-Level Investigation – Citywide Blockade, 50+ CCTV Footages Examined
Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara described the incident as “one of the most unique and troubling heists in recent years.”
Bengaluru Police Commissioner S M Shekar Singh confirmed that more than 50 CCTV clips are being analysed.
A citywide blockade is in place, while two DCPs and a Joint Commissioner are supervising the probe. Police also noted discrepancies in the driver’s statements, and the delay in reporting the incident is also under scrutiny.
Inside Job Suspected – Investigators Examining Key Questions
The heist was executed with such accuracy that investigators strongly suspect inside information regarding the cash movement, route, timing and deployment.
Key questions before the police:
- Was the entire cash van crew fully armed as per protocol?
- Was the SUV’s “Government of India” sticker forged?
- Was the DVR removed to hide internal collusion?
- What route did the gang take after Dairy Circle?
- Why did the van’s GPRS last ping only near that location?
The Home Minister said, “Who informed them about the cash movement? We do have some leads.”
Political Debate Escalates – Opposition Slams Government
The high-profile heist has triggered strong political reactions. State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra said the incident highlights rising fear and declining security in Bengaluru. Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka remarked, “Looting has now become part of Brand Bengaluru.”
The Chief Minister has directed police to treat the case with the highest priority and ensure swift arrests.
Search Spreads Across States, Staff Questioned, Call Logs Analysed
Police teams are now:
- scanning CCTV from JP Nagar, Jayanagar, Dairy Circle and Hosur Road
- mapping all possible escape routes
- coordinating with neighbouring states with tightened blockades
- questioning cash van staff, especially the driver
- analysing call logs, phone locations and communication patterns
- comparing the modus operandi with previous heists
Officials said they have “significant clues” but are not disclosing details due to operational sensitivity.
