Driver, two sons suspected in Rs. 17 lakh ATM cash van theft in Hyderabad

Police suspect that a cash van driver and his two sons meticulously planned the theft of Rs. 17 lakh from an ATM cash replenishment vehicle at I S Sadan. Five special teams have been formed to trace the accused and recover the money.

Hyderabad: The cash van driver and his two sons had allegedly masterminded and meticulously planned the theft of Rs. 17 lakh from an ATM cash replenishment vehicle at IS Sadan on Tuesday, months in advance.

According to sources, Srinivas, a native of Jagtial district who had joined the company as a driver only a few months ago, had been waiting for an opportunity to execute the theft. As part of a pre-planned conspiracy, he instructed his elder son to follow the cash van on a motorcycle.

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The moment the custodians entered the ATM, Srinivas is believed to have taken the bag containing Rs. 17 lakh, got onto the motorcycle waiting outside and fled the scene with his son. When the ATM staff returned, they found both the driver and the cash bag missing and immediately alerted the police.

Based on a complaint lodged by custodian Suresh, police registered a case and formed five special teams to trace the accused.

During the investigation, police examined CCTV footage and confirmed that the driver had escaped with his son. The duo reportedly travelled up to Uppuguda, where they were joined by Srinivas’s younger son. The police believe a part of the stolen money was handed over to the younger son before he was sent away.

Srinivas and his elder son then allegedly hired a private cab and fled towards the Outer Ring Road near Shamshabad. Police are continuing an intensive search to trace the accused and recover the stolen cash.

On Tuesday, a cash van belonging to Cleared Security Services Private Limited set out with Rs. 30 lakh to refill ATMs at various locations across the city. The vehicle was staffed by driver Srinivas, cash custodians Suresh and Papayya, and gunman Nabi Saab.

After successfully replenishing cash at six ATM centres, the team reached an SBI ATM at IS Sadan. While the two custodians and the gunman entered the ATM kiosk to load cash, Srinivas remained alone inside the van. The vehicle reportedly contained two cash bags, one carrying Rs. 7 lakh and another containing Rs. 17 lakh.