An SUV belonging to a security firm transporting Rs 1.87 crore was attacked by 8-12 armed robbers on Monday morning and the cash stolen. The daring heist in front of eye-witnesses took place around 10:30 am on Monday morning in RT Nagar 8th cross behind BSNL office near the BDA complex. The spot where the incident took place is just a stone’s throw away from the RT Nagar police station. The area is a high security zone since many members of the legislative assembly live here.
The cash was in the custody of CMS Securitas Limited, which transports money from different banks to different ATMs in the city. Four personnel of the company were travelling in the hired Chevrolet Tavera bearing registration number KA 03 C2428 when they were attacked. According to the preliminary investigation, the four CMS personnel had deposited money in an ATM in Cox Town and then in the Corporation Bank's ATM in RT Nagar opposite the BDA complex. They were going to another bank to deposit the money when they were waylaid.
Their path was suddenly blocked by another Tavera. The driver Venkatesh braked hard but was hit by another vehicle from the back, a Hyundai Verna. They were thus trapped between the Tavera in front and the Verna behind. Around 8- 12 masked men got down from both the cars and attacked the security firm's personnel. They allegedly broke open the side windows and the rear windshield.
The driver Venkatesh sustained injuries on his leg, Nemi Chandra who was in charge of the cash box, sustained injuries on his forehead and Somanna Shetty, who was armed with a .303 rifle, was injured on his hand. The attackers, who reportedly had guns, snatched the money and fled.
Speaking to the media, the City Police Commissioner Mr Jyothi Prakash Mirji confirmed that Rs 1.87 crore was stolen. The injuries to the victims were very minor, he said. “The accused persons might have used air pistols to threaten the victims and the public. The victims are being questioned and their statements recorded. The entire city police has been alerted about the day light robbery and has been instructed to look out for suspicious Taveras and Vernas."
He said there was no firing reported in the incident. The RT Nagar police have registered a case following the complaint by one of the victims, Anand Kumar. He made it clear that neither of the vehicles used in the heist has been recovered.