CID inspector arrested in ₹20 lakh Bengaluru robbery, posed as cop to rob Kerala businessmen
Synopsis
A serving CID inspector in Karnataka allegedly used his own police identity card and a police jeep to rob Kerala businessmen of ₹20 lakh at a Bengaluru hotel — a case that exposes how official credentials can be weaponised from the inside. The gang had also lured the victims with a fake online trading scheme promising ₹50 lakh returns.
Key Takeaways
CID inspector Mahesh Kanakagiri arrested on 20 June for allegedly masterminding a ₹20 lakh robbery at a hotel in Madivala, Bengaluru .
Two associates — Kupendra Reddy and Vasanth Kumar — also arrested in connection with the case.
The gang allegedly used Kanakagiri's original police identity card and a police jeep to impersonate officers and intimidate the victims.
Victims, Kerala-based businessmen , had been lured to Bengaluru with a fraudulent online trading scheme promising ₹50 lakh returns on a ₹25 lakh investment.
The police jeep allegedly used in the robbery has been seized ; investigation into the broader fraud is ongoing.
A serving Karnataka Police inspector attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), accused of masterminding a brazen ₹20 lakh robbery in Bengaluru, has been arrested along with two associates, officials confirmed on Saturday, 20 June. The accused allegedly impersonated police officers to rob Kerala-based businessmen at a hotel in the Madivala area.
How the Robbery Unfolded
According to investigators, the Kerala businessmen had been lured to Bengaluru under the pretext of an online trading scheme that promised returns of ₹50 lakh on an investment of ₹25 lakh. The accused allegedly obtained information about the victims and the cash they were carrying while they were staying at a hotel in the Madivala jurisdiction.
The gang allegedly arrived at the hotel in a police jeep. The arrested inspector, identified as Mahesh Kanakagiri, reportedly remained inside the vehicle while his associates entered the hotel room. The accused allegedly produced an original identity card belonging to Kanakagiri, accused the businessmen of carrying cash for illegal trading, and used the threat of police authority to rob them of ₹20 lakh in cash. They then fled the scene in the same police jeep.
Complaint, Arrests, and the Manhunt
Suspicious of the encounter, the businessmen approached the Madivala police station and filed a formal complaint. Investigators swiftly arrested one of the accused, identified as Kupendra Reddy. During interrogation, Kupendra Reddy allegedly named Kanakagiri as the mastermind, triggering an expanded search operation.
Following Kupendra Reddy's arrest, Kanakagiri and the third accused, Vasanth Kumar, reportedly went into hiding, prompting a dedicated manhunt. Police teams eventually tracked and arrested both. The police jeep allegedly used in the robbery has also been seized.
The Online Trading Angle
Investigators are also probing the fraudulent online trading scheme used to draw the victims to Bengaluru. The promise of a ₹50 lakh return on a ₹25 lakh investment suggests a broader fraud operation may be involved, and the probe is reportedly being extended in that direction.
What Happens Next
Further investigation is underway to establish the full extent of the conspiracy and the precise role of each accused. The incident raises serious questions about the misuse of police credentials and the internal oversight mechanisms within the Karnataka Police. Departmental action against Mahesh Kanakagiri is expected to follow the criminal proceedings.
Point of View
It signals a failure of internal checks, not merely individual misconduct. The online trading bait adds a second layer: the victims were already being defrauded before the physical robbery. Karnataka Police must answer how a CID-attached officer could access a police jeep for criminal use without detection. The departmental inquiry, if it happens at all, will matter as much as the criminal trial.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mahesh Kanakagiri and why was he arrested?
Mahesh Kanakagiri is a Karnataka Police inspector attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). He was arrested on 20 June for allegedly masterminding a ₹20 lakh robbery at a hotel in Madivala, Bengaluru, where his identity card was used to impersonate police and intimidate Kerala-based businessmen.
How did the accused carry out the robbery?
The accused arrived at the hotel in a police jeep and used Kanakagiri's original police identity card to pose as officers. They accused the businessmen of carrying cash for illegal activities and allegedly robbed them of ₹20 lakh in cash before fleeing in the same jeep.
Who are the other accused arrested in the case?
The two other accused are Kupendra Reddy and Vasanth Kumar. Kupendra Reddy was arrested first and allegedly revealed Kanakagiri's role as the mastermind during interrogation, leading to the arrest of the inspector and Vasanth Kumar.
What is the online trading fraud angle in this case?
The Kerala businessmen were reportedly lured to Bengaluru with a promise of ₹50 lakh returns on a ₹25 lakh investment in online trading. Investigators are probing whether the robbery was connected to this broader fraudulent scheme.
What action has been taken against the accused so far?
All three accused — Kanakagiri, Kupendra Reddy, and Vasanth Kumar — have been arrested. The police jeep allegedly used in the robbery has been seized. Further investigation is underway to determine the full scope of the conspiracy.
