Bengaluru Police have arrested three individuals — including a serving police constable and a cash-van in-charge — in connection with the sensational ₹7.11 crore ATM cash-van robbery carried out in broad daylight earlier this week. Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh confirmed on Saturday that investigators have also recovered ₹5.76 crore of the stolen amount, marking a major breakthrough in the high-profile case that triggered shock across the city.
The arrests include a constable posted at Govindarajanagar Police Station, a former employee of CMS Info System Ltd — the private firm managing ATM cash replenishment — and the staffer responsible for supervising the cash vehicle. Police say the theft was not the work of random criminals, but a carefully coordinated insider-driven operation, planned over time with access to sensitive route, timing, and cash-movement details.
How the Robbery Unfolded
The heist occurred when the CMS cash van stopped to refill an ATM. The cash box was taken without resistance, leading investigators to suspect that the robbery could not have been executed without internal knowledge. By Friday night, investigators had traced digital clues indicating the involvement of personnel with inside access.
Mobile Tower Location Data Cracks the Case
One of the strongest pieces of evidence came from mobile tower mapping. Police examined active mobile devices in the vicinity at the time of the robbery and found repeated calls between the constable and the former CMS employee during the heist window.
Further analysis of their call detail records showed sustained communication in the days leading up to the robbery — establishing pre-planning, coordination, and motive.
Another significant lead emerged when the suspected getaway vehicle was found abandoned near Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district, suggesting an attempted multi-state evasion.
Insider Network and Resignation Link
Police say the former CMS employee had recently resigned, yet remained closely associated with the constable. Investigators believe the proximity enabled:
✅ knowledge of cash loading schedules
✅ awareness of security lapses
✅ route familiarity
✅ confidence that suspicion would initially fall elsewhere
The third accused — the van in-charge — is believed to have facilitated access and movement.
Officials say more arrests are possible as financial tracing continues.
Money Trail and Recovery
Of the ₹7.11 crore taken, ₹5.76 crore has been recovered so far. Police teams are:
- raiding associated premises
- checking lockers and storage facilities
- examining digital transfers
- tracking cash-based purchases
Sources say remaining funds may have been hidden, dispersed among accomplices, or used instantly.
What Happens Next
Investigators are now probing:
🔍 Whether more CMS staff were involved
🔍 If similar robberies were planned
🔍 Whether the network has criminal links outside Karnataka
🔍 Possible breach in private cash-handling protocols
The case has already triggered scrutiny of ATM cash logistics across the city.
Broader Security Concerns
The robbery has reignited questions about:
- cash van staffing standards
- police personnel vetting
- private agency accountability
- insider-enabled financial crime
Officials indicated that new compliance measures may soon be mandated.
Public and Institutional Reaction
Banks and ATM operators are reviewing:
✅ GPS requirements
✅ dual-authority access
✅ biometric audit logs
✅ escort protocols
With digital payments rising but ATM withdrawals remaining significant, the case is seen as a wake-up call for cash-handling security.
