Bengaluru, Nov 22 (NationPress) In a significant breakthrough, the Bengaluru Police have apprehended three suspects and seized Rs 5.76 crore in connection with the audacious Rs 7.11 crore cash heist that took place on November 19.

This incident has sparked serious concerns regarding public safety and the law enforcement landscape in the region.

During a press briefing on Saturday, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh confirmed the arrests and noted that investigations are ongoing, with multiple teams deployed for field work across neighboring states.

Detailing the case, Commissioner Singh stated, “We interrogated thirty-eight individuals, resulting in the arrest of three. The primary suspect is the individual responsible for the CMS cash refill van, another is a former employee of the CMS company, and the third is a constable affiliated with the Govindarajanagara police station in Bengaluru.”

“Legal procedures will be finalized today, and the suspects will be held in police custody,” he added.

“The trio managed to operate without leaving any evidence. Despite this, our officers identified them through CCTV footage, advanced technology, local tips, and other investigative techniques. To date, Rs 5.76 crore has been recovered, and we are tracking information regarding the remaining amount,” he mentioned.

“A total of six to seven individuals are believed to be involved in this robbery, of which we have apprehended three,” he continued.

He further remarked, “The investigation is ongoing, and further developments are expected. An Innova vehicle was traced on the outskirts of Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh. We circulated images and videos of the vehicle; although the registration number was fraudulent, our teams successfully tracked their movements.”

“The recovered Rs 5.76 crore was found in a designated location on the outskirts of Bengaluru. We are still searching for additional conspirators and possible insider involvement. Strong technical and forensic evidence has been gathered,” he affirmed.

“Our police teams worked diligently, covering extensive ground following the incident. Initially, they struggled to trace the money or the suspects. The case presented numerous challenges, as the gang navigated areas devoid of CCTV surveillance and avoided using mobile phones,” he said.

“The robbers communicated discreetly to avoid suspicion. The bank and CMS personnel were not forthcoming with information, complicating the investigation,” he added.

“Despite these hurdles, from November 19 to the present, two Joint Commissioners, along with 11 teams—including ACPs, inspectors, and approximately 200 personnel—have been actively involved in the case. Teams have traveled to Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Goa. Their efforts have been commendable,” he stated.

“Currently, Rs 5.76 crore out of the total Rs 7.11 crore has been recovered, while the search for the remaining amount continues. We are committed to achieving a conviction in this case, given its complexity and the substantial sum involved. Such an incident has not previously occurred within the limits of Bengaluru city,” he emphasized.

“The robbers prepared for this heist over the span of three months, conducting reconnaissance of the area for 15 days, and selecting routes with no CCTV coverage along with shadow zones. Several shortcomings within the CMS company were also identified, with violations of RBI guidelines,” concluded the Police Commissioner.

It is important to note that this robbery transpired in broad daylight in Bengaluru on Wednesday, where a gang made off with Rs 7.11 crore from a vehicle designated for ATM cash refilling.

The staff of the cash refill vehicle reported the incident to the authorities with a delay, raising questions. There are inquiries into why the armed personnel did not use their weapons during the robbery. All these angles are under rigorous investigation.