Hyderabad Police have arrested a 34-year-old man suspected of masterminding an Axis Bank ATM robbery in Shamshabad on October 6. The arrest followed a joint operation involving Telangana and Rajasthan Police.
Who Was Arrested?
The accused, Rashid, also known as Kalu, Yousuf and Kakoo, was arrested near Gollapally X Roads in Shamshabad.
Police identified four alleged associates as Sohail, Faizan alias Ayaan, Rehan alias Jingi and Shamshuddin. All four remain at large.
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How Was the Robbery Planned?
According to investigators, Rashid and his associates allegedly brought gas-cutting equipment and spray paint to Hyderabad nearly a month before the robbery.
They reportedly concealed the equipment in bushes in the Pahadishareef area while preparing to target the ATM.
Police said the gang subsequently stole a Pulsar motorcycle and a Hyundai Santro car before heading towards the Axis Bank ATM at Satamrai.
How Was the ATM Targeted?
On October 6, the suspects allegedly sprayed paint over CCTV cameras, disabled the alarm system and used gas-cutting equipment to open the ATM. Shamshabad Deputy Commissioner of Police B. Rajesh said the accused removed the cash trays and escaped with the money.
The total amount stolen was not disclosed.
How Did Police Track the Suspect?
After the robbery, the suspects allegedly abandoned their car near Patancheru and travelled through Zaheerabad before entering Maharashtra.
Their route reportedly included Nanded, Amravati and Akola, followed by Indore in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Police used technical analysis and call detail records to trace Rashid to Gollapally.
What Did the Investigation Reveal?
During questioning, Rashid allegedly admitted receiving ₹90,000 as his share of the robbery proceeds, of which ₹85,500 had reportedly been spent.
Police records show 46 previous criminal cases against him across Haryana and Delhi, including Gurugram, Faridabad and Rewari. Investigators also linked him to two Hyderabad cases involving ATM theft and stolen vehicles.
The robbery highlights the risks posed by organised gangs using stolen vehicles, surveillance obstruction and cutting equipment. Police continue searching for the four absconding suspects, while further investigation remains underway.
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