Three Mumbai ATM thieves held in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: The Cubbon Park police has arrested three people who had committed thefts in ATM kiosks in Mumbai and were hiding in Bengaluru, leading a luxurious life.

The accused have been identified as Rakesh (24), Nayan Vijay Bhanushali (24), and Jyotish Chadilal Gupta (22), all residents of Mumbai. Rakesh was working as cash custodian in a reputed cash management services company in Mumbai.

According to the police, they received credible information that three people were staying in room no. 402 at Southern Star hotel on Lavelle Road since more than a month and leading a lavish lifestyle. They were also behaving suspiciously.

The police swung into action and picked up the trio for questioning. When grilled thoroughly, they confessed to have committed thefts in three ATM kiosks in Mumbai and were absconding.

“Rakesh worked with a cash management services company, he was given the responsibility of depositing cash to several ATMs. He had the keys and passwords of the machines. About three months ago, he along with his two friends hatched a plan to commit thefts in ATM kiosks. Accordingly, they identified ATM kiosks that did not have security guards and committed thefts at three ATMs in Kolegaon, Sonar Pada and Pisavali near Mumbai. They had stolen a total of `34 lakh by committing these offences. They went to Delhi, Kulu Manali, Amritsar, Jammu, Goa, Pune and others places to evade arrest,” the police said.

“Investigations revealed that they had come to the city in June and were staying in Southern Star hotel since June 23. They spent time going to luxurious pubs and had planned to leave to Mumbai on August 7. In all, `4,28,780 of stolen cash, gold rings and expensive mobile phones were recovered from the arrested persons. The Mumbai police has confirmed their involvement in the ATM theft cases and they will be handed over to Mumbai police soon,” the police added.