Bengaluru: After arresting three suspects in the Rs 7.1 crore daylight ATM cash-van heist, Bengaluru Police on Saturday has claimed to have recovered Rs 5.7 crore. Among the arrested are Annappa Naik, a constable attached to Govindapura Police Station, J Xavioir, an ex-employee of a cash logistics firm Info Systems and Gopi, all residents of KG Halli, the Deccan Herald reported. According to reports, Xavioir and Gopi were involved in similar crimes earlier. One vehicle used for the crime has also been seized, said Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh. The accused had attempted to create a digital vacuum by leaving zero digital evidence for cops to track them. However, in 24 hours, some of the accused and one of the vehicles used in the crime were identified, cops claimed.
What happened: On Wednesday afternoon near the Ashoka Pillar in Jayanagar, a group of men allegedly posing as Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Income Tax (IT) officials stopped a cash-in-transit van operated by CMS Logistics, which was carrying Rs 7.11 crore.
According to the FIR, the robbers claimed they needed to “verify documents” for the large cash load, then forced the crew — including the driver and guards — into their cars.
The gang forced the van to the Dairy Circle flyover, allegedly because of weak CCTV surveillance there. On the flyover, they transferred cash boxes at gunpoint into multiple other vehicles before fleeing.
Insider role suspected: Investigators had strongly suspected insider collusion. They noted inconsistencies in the cash-van crew’s statements during interrogation.
Money Heist in Bengaluru
Robbers posing as Govt officials intercepted a CMS ATM cash loading vehicle allegedly claiming “verification”, transferred about 7 crore into their Innova, left the staff & vehicle near a flyover, and escaped. A citywide search is underway. pic.twitter.com/sGb0IpgcXF— Deepak Bopanna (@dpkBopanna) November 19, 2025
What did the accused do to confuse cops?
The accused constable and the former CMS firm employee were said to have been in regular contact, even exchanging calls on the day of the heist. The ex-employee is reported to have provided detailed inside information about CMS operations and the layout of the cash-van.
The constable allegedly drew the route map for the robbers. In addition, three others have been arrested for logistical support, and two brothers — allegedly kingpins from Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh — are being probed.
The accused, who were part of a gang of 6 to 8, carefully chose CCTV blind spots or shadow areas for stopping the van and transferring the cash. Police said that the robbers refrained from using mobile phones during the heist to avoid detection and interception. Besides, they also changed languages mid-conversation to confuse potential witnesses.
Police said they used real-time media reporting updates, changed multiple vehicles and number plates. Moreover, they stole non-serialised bank notes, making tracing impossible for cops.
How investigation was done?
Cops formed multiple teams, involving 200 personnel, to investigate the crime. The teams investigated in Tamil Nadhu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana as well as Goa to finally have a breakthrough. Authorities examined more than 50 CCTV footages across the city to map the suspects’ movements. The van’s internal CCTV system’s digital video recorder (DVR) was missing, raising further suspicion of pre-planning and inside help, reports claimed. A crucial lead surfaced when the getaway vehicle was found abandoned near Tirupati in Chittoor district, pointing investigators toward a possible escape route and confirming the gang’s movement across state lines, reported the Hindustan Times.
Recovery: Police have recovered over Rs 5 crore so far. The cash was traced to Tamil Nadu (Chennai) and Andhra Pradesh.
Official response: Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara said that the case was being treated very seriously and strong leads had been developed.
