Constable Arrested in Bengaluru’s Rs 7-Crore Robbery Case, Investigation Expands Across States
Bengaluru : The 24-hour ultimatum issued by Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara to crack the high-profile ₹7-crore Bengaluru robbery case has expired, but the police are yet to trace the stolen cash or arrest the key masterminds.
Even as the investigation intensifies, dramatic new revelations have emerged—one that has shaken the police force itself. A serving police constable has allegedly played the role of the chief conspirator in orchestrating one of Bengaluru’s biggest robberies in recent years.
According to senior officers, Govindapura Police Station constable Annappa Naik has been arrested by the South Division police. Initial investigation indicates that Naik was the architect of the entire crime, and used his position, insider knowledge, and influence to train and prepare the gang that executed the robbery.
Constable-led gang formation and planning
Police sources revealed that the arrested constable hand-picked a group of youths from Kammana Halli and Kalyan Nagar—localities already known for their networked youth clusters. He reportedly trained them on how to conduct a robbery, how to shift cash during transit, and most importantly, how to evade police surveillance. Officers claim Naik briefed the gang on police communication patterns, response timings, and escape strategies.
Investigators further suspect that former employees of CMS Security Agency, the company involved in transporting the cash, also played a key role. These insiders allegedly provided logistical information, vehicle routes, and security gaps that made the robbery possible.
Police now believe the stolen cash was initially hidden within Bengaluru before some members of the gang escaped to neighbouring states.
Key breakthrough: Innova seized in Tirupati
In a major breakthrough, the Innova vehicle used for shifting the stolen cash from the CMS cash van was traced to Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. The vehicle was seized on Thursday and two suspects were detained in neighbouring Chittoor. Their interrogation is expected to provide crucial details on the whereabouts of the remaining gang members.
Meanwhile, Siddapur police detained a man named David, whose bike was allegedly used by one of the suspects, Vijay. Investigators say the bike had changed hands between two individuals named Vijay, indicating a wider network of facilitators involved in the operation.
Fake number plate to mislead investigation
A critical detail emerging from the investigation is the use of a fake number plate on the Innova used in the crime. Police traced the number only to discover it belonged to an unrelated Swift car in Bengaluru. Officers say this deliberate deception allowed the robbers to mislead investigators during the crucial first 24 hours after the heist.
Constable’s arrest shocks police force
The arrest of a serving constable as the alleged mastermind has triggered embarrassment within the police department. Senior officials say it is “unprecedented” for a constable to use official knowledge to plan a high-value robbery. The revelation has intensified scrutiny within the department and raised questions about internal leaks that may have helped the gang escape.
Nationwide manhunt continues
Four Joint Commissioners and 18 DCPs are coordinating a multi-state manhunt, with teams deployed in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. Investigators say the robbers have likely split into smaller groups and fled across state borders, making the operation more challenging.
Even as the investigation widens, the absence of recovery of the ₹7-crore cash remains the biggest gap. Officers say the case will fully crack only when the remaining suspects are arrested.
Also Read: Explainer | Second crash in 24-year history – How much does one ‘Tejas’ fighter jet cost?
