Bengaluru Heist: A Movie-Like Plot Unfolds in India’s Tech Hub
Bengaluru: In a meticulously planned operation that seems ripped from a movie script, a gang of audacious criminals posing as Reserve Bank of India (RBI) officials intercepted a cash logistics van in Bengaluru and decamped with a staggering ₹7 crore. The entire, high-stakes drama was over in less than 30 minutes, leaving the van’s crew bewildered and the Bengaluru Police launching a massive manhunt.
The incident, which took place in broad daylight on a busy arterial road, has sent shockwaves through the city’s security and financial establishments. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the brazen heist unfolded.
A Routine Cash Transfer Becomes a Target
It began as just another day for the crew of a private cash management services van. Tasked with transporting currency, they were navigating Bengaluru’s infamous traffic on their designated route. The van, equipped with standard security measures, was carrying a consignment of ₹7 crore, a mix of high-denomination notes destined for ATM replenishment and bank transfers. The crew consisted of a driver, two armed guards, and a custodian—all following what they believed was a secure, routine protocol.
The Interception: Fake RBI Officials Stage a ‘Federal Audit’
The van’s routine was shattered when a sophisticated-looking SUV, complete with an official-seeming emblem, smoothly overtook them and signalled for them to pull over. Out stepped four men dressed in crisp formal attire. They were calm, confident, and carried themselves with an air of authority.
One of the men approached the driver, flashing what appeared to be a legitimate RBI vigilance department identity card.
“We have credible intelligence of a security breach in your company,” the lead impostor allegedly told the van’s custodian, his tone firm and unwavering. “There’s a high probability this consignment contains counterfeit currency being moved. This is a surprise federal audit. We need to inspect the vehicle and the cash immediately.”
Faced with official-looking documents and the men’s commanding presence, the van’s crew was caught off guard. The mention of an “RBI audit” is a tactic designed to command immediate compliance and override standard protocols, and in this case, it worked perfectly.
The 30-Minute Execution: How the Gang Stole ₹7 Crore
Following the impostors’ instructions, the crew drove the cash van to a more secluded service lane nearby. This was a critical move, taking the operation away from the prying eyes of the main road.
Once isolated, the gang’s demeanour changed. They swiftly disarmed the two guards, citing “protocol for securing the scene.” Before the crew could fully process the shift in tone, they were overpowered. Their mobile phones were confiscated, and they were ordered to unlock the van’s vault.
In a flurry of coordinated activity, the gang transferred the large steel trunks filled with cash from the van into their own vehicle. Their efficiency was chilling. Every move was precise, with no time wasted. Within minutes, the entire ₹7 crore was secured in their SUV.
The entire operation, from stopping the van to speeding away, was completed in approximately 30 minutes. The crew was left stranded and unable to immediately raise an alarm.
The Aftermath: Bengaluru Police Launch Manhunt, Suspect Inside Job
It took some time for the van’s crew to free themselves and contact their head office, which then alerted the police. By then, the criminals had a significant head start.
Bengaluru City Police immediately cordoned off the area and launched a city-wide alert. Special teams have been formed to scour CCTV footage from traffic signals, toll plazas, and commercial establishments along the van’s route and potential escape paths.
“This was not an ordinary robbery. This was a sophisticated, intelligence-led operation,” a senior police official stated. “The perpetrators knew the van’s route, its schedule, and exactly how to exploit procedural loopholes. The use of the RBI name is a deeply concerning tactic. We are investigating all angles, including the possibility of an inside job.”
As the investigation intensifies, the heist serves as a stark reminder of the evolving methods of organised crime. For now, a gang of cool-headed criminals has vanished into the urban sprawl, leaving behind a baffled crew and a ₹7 crore question mark hanging over India’s tech capital.
