A serious security lapse during an ATM cash refilling operation in the Gachibowli area has resulted in the theft of nearly ₹60 lakh, after a cash management services (CMS) van driver allegedly fled with the money while the rest of the team was engaged inside the kiosk.
The incident occurred at an ATM located in Gopanpally village, where the CMS team had arrived to replenish cash. According to police, the driver took advantage of a brief window when the security guard stepped away to fetch drinking water and the cash handlers were inside the ATM kiosk loading currency into the machine.
Complainant Ramakrishna told investigators that he had reached the site along with colleague Abdul Malik, security guard Perumal and driver Ajit Kumar. As cash trays were being inserted into the ATM, the driver allegedly started the van and sped away with the remaining cash still inside the vehicle.
Police said the entire amount was kept in the CMS van at the time of the incident, enabling the accused to escape with the full sum in one move.
Local police teams rushed to the spot soon after receiving the alert and began scanning CCTV footage from the ATM premises and surrounding areas. Exit and entry points across the city were immediately placed on alert, while neighbouring districts were informed to keep watch for the vehicle.
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Security protocols under scanner
The episode has raised serious questions over standard operating procedures followed during ATM cash replenishment, a process that typically mandates the continuous presence of a driver, cash handler and armed guard.
A senior police officer said leaving a cash-loaded vehicle unattended even briefly posed a major risk.
“This appears to be a clear operational failure. We are also examining whether this was merely negligence or involved premeditated internal collusion,” the officer added.
Authorities are now reviewing CMS safety protocols, including vehicle immobilisation procedures and guard positioning during cash loading.
Driver recently joined team, background being verified
Sources said the accused driver had joined the cash management team only recently. Investigators are analysing his call detail records, banking activity and previous employment history to establish motive and possible accomplices.
Police are also collecting CCTV footage from nearby commercial establishments and residential buildings to trace the movement of the van after it left the ATM site. Technical surveillance has been activated to pinpoint the driver’s last known location.
Officials said multiple special teams have been formed to track down the accused, with recovery of the stolen cash being treated as the top priority.
Case registered under BNS
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police said the incident highlights how even a momentary lapse in cash transportation operations can escalate into a major financial and security breach.
Investigators are relying on CCTV trails, mobile location data and other digital evidence to zero in on the suspect. Officers expressed confidence that the technical inputs would soon lead them to both the van and the missing cash.
The case has also prompted renewed scrutiny of ATM cash-handling mechanisms, with officials indicating that tighter compliance checks and accountability measures may follow.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
