Jhansi: Uttar Pradesh Police have claimed to have solved the ₹24.90 lakh robbery near Minerva Crossing in Jhansi, arresting six accused, including two serving policemen, in connection with the case. According to the preliminary investigation, the alleged mastermind was under severe financial pressure after incurring substantial losses in online betting and allegedly conspired with his associates to execute the robbery. Police have recovered ₹24.50 lakh in cash and the vehicle allegedly used in the crime, while efforts are underway to recover the remaining ₹40,000.
According to investigators, Suryash Yadav has been identified as the alleged mastermind behind the conspiracy. Police allege that he suffered significant financial losses through online betting, leaving him burdened with debt. Investigators claim he subsequently conspired with Nitin Tejwani and Sanskar Tejwani, who are alleged to have links with an illegal betting network, before bringing Sukhbir and Suraj Singh into the alleged plan.
During the investigation, police found that the accused allegedly contacted Raghavendra Rajput, a constable posted with the Jalaun Police Lines. Investigators allege that Rajput subsequently involved two other policemen, Manoj and Neeraj, in the operation. According to police, the alleged plan involved using police uniforms to make the incident appear to be an official police action, thereby reducing suspicion and preventing immediate resistance from the victim.
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Police said that on 9 July, Kishan Panchal, an employee of Surat-based businessman Jitendra Patel, was carrying approximately ₹24.90 lakh in cash when he was allegedly intercepted and robbed near Minerva Crossing. Investigators stated that CCTV footage, call detail records (CDRs) and other technical evidence helped identify the suspects and reconstruct the sequence of events.
Following the investigation, police arrested six accused, including constables Raghavendra Rajput and Manoj, along with the other alleged conspirators. Authorities also recovered the vehicle allegedly used during the robbery and ₹24.50 lakh in cash. Another constable, Neeraj, who is also alleged to have been involved, remains absconding, and search operations are continuing to trace and arrest him.
Police further stated that all three policemen allegedly linked to the case have been suspended, and departmental disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against them. Investigators are examining their individual roles, the alleged criminal conspiracy and whether any additional persons assisted in planning or executing the robbery.
During preliminary interrogation, investigators also found alleged links between the mastermind and an online betting network. Police are now probing whether betting-related financial transactions were routed through hawala channels. Banking records, digital payment trails, mobile phone data and other electronic evidence are being analysed to determine the scale of the suspected network and identify any additional participants.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that illegal online betting networks are frequently associated with financial crimes, hawala transactions and organised criminal activities. He noted that mobile forensics, banking trails, digital payment records, CCTV analysis and call detail records are often crucial in uncovering such networks. He also advised the public to avoid illegal betting platforms and promptly report any suspicious financial activity to the appropriate authorities.
The investigation remains ongoing. Police said efforts are continuing to arrest the absconding accused, recover the remaining cash and examine the alleged betting and hawala network. Any further legal action will depend on the evidence gathered during the investigation. Authorities have emphasized that the allegations are still under investigation and will be tested through the due legal process.
