Gang Posing as Tax Officials Pulls Off Daring Bengaluru Heist
In a meticulously planned daylight robbery, a gang impersonating income tax officers stole ₹5-7 crore from a cash van in Bengaluru’s upscale HSR Layout. The incident has triggered panic among residents and exposed critical security gaps in cash transportation.
How the Heist Unfolded
- Deceptive Stop: The robbers, dressed as tax officials, halted the private security van near a busy junction at 11:30 AM on Tuesday.
- Fake Inspection: Using forged ID cards, they convinced guards the van carried “unaccounted cash” requiring verification.
- Swift Execution: Within 15 minutes, they tied up the crew, emptied the cash, and vanished before police arrived.
Eyewitnesses reported the suspects spoke fluent Hindi and Kannada, suggesting local familiarity.
Police Suspect Insider Help
Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda confirmed the robbers knew the van’s route and schedule. Key investigative angles include:
– Analysis of nearby CCTV footage showing the gang’s escape route.
– Possible links to similar heists in Maharashtra and Delhi where criminals posed as Enforcement Directorate officials.
– Forensic examination of fake IDs and tools used.
Public Backlash Over Security Lapses
The robbery has intensified scrutiny on cash transit protocols:
– Citizens Demand Reforms: “Why weren’t guards armed? Why no GPS panic buttons?” asked a frustrated bank manager.
– Digital Reliance at Risk: Economists warn such thefts could destabilize cash-dependent sectors like street vendors and SMEs.
Impersonation Crimes Rising Across India
Recent cases highlight a dangerous trend:
– 2023, Mumbai: Fake CBI officers extorted ₹2 crore from a jeweler.
– 2022, Delhi: Scammers using deepfake voices mimicked RBI officials to empty business accounts.
Next Steps
Authorities announced immediate measures:
✔ Mandatory real-time verification of officials via government hotlines.
✔ Armed escorts for high-value cash transports.
✔ GPS tracking with geofencing alerts for deviations.
NextMinuteNews will update this story as developments emerge.
