Mastermind among complainants: ₹24 lakh robbery busted in Devanahalli

Bengaluru : A meticulously planned robbery involving impersonation of anti-corruption officials has been cracked by police in Devanahalli, with nine accused arrested for allegedly looting ₹24 lakh from a businessman on Prasannahalli Road in Bengaluru Rural district.

Police said the accused posed as members of a human rights and anti-corruption enforcement team to execute the crime. Among those arrested are Krishnakumar, Venugopal, Sampangi Ram, Ahmed, Narayanaswamy, Venkatesh, Murugesan, Shiva and Lateef. Authorities have recovered the stolen amount.

Money-doubling trap

Investigations revealed that the prime accused, Krishnakumar, lured Shankarappa with an offer to triple his investment. Trusting the promise, Shankarappa arranged ₹24 lakh by pledging gold jewellery.

As part of the conspiracy, the gang arrived in a private vehicle displaying a board resembling that of an enforcement agency. Claiming to be officials conducting a raid, they seized the cash and fled.

In an attempt to divert suspicion, Krishnakumar later filed a complaint at the local police station. However, sustained questioning exposed his role in orchestrating the robbery. Police sources said technical surveillance and interrogation of suspects helped unravel the plot.

Out of the 12 accused involved, nine have been taken into custody. A manhunt has been launched to trace the remaining three.

Bank break-in attempt foiled

Meanwhile, an attempted theft was reported at a branch of Canara Bank in Seshadripuram in the early hours of the morning.

The suspect allegedly cut through a rear grill to enter the bank premises and tampered with wiring near the strong room. The alarm system was activated during the process, prompting the intruder to escape.

Police have registered a case and are reviewing CCTV footage to track the suspect.