Police crack Rs 1.67 cr ATM van loot case in Cuttack; say van staff shared info after loss in online game

Investigating the sensational loot of over Rs 1.67 crore from an ATM cash van under Tigiria Police limits of Cuttack district in November last year, Cuttack Rural Police arrested seven persons including the kingpin identified as Kalim Khan.

Cuttack Rural SP, Mihir Panda informed that a staffer of the cash carrying van and another staffer of a separate vehicle had actually provided information to Khan regarding the route and other information. It was Khan, who then engaged other criminals, to commit the crime on November 10 last year, Panda said while briefing the media.

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“We have arrested 7 accused and recovered over Rs 64 lakh cash, two-wheelers and sharp weapons and the investigation will continue. The SUV used in the crime has been dismantled and disposed of in a canal. More arrests are likely in the case,” said Panda.

Panda informed that both the staff of the cash carrying vans had actually lost huge amounts of money in online gaming. They had subsequently shared information with the criminals in view to make up for the loss.

Well Organised Crime

Cuttack Rural Police informed that the entire plan was well executed by the criminals. Some people were on two-wheelers, four wheelers while others kept watch on road and tacked the movement of police. The criminals had conducted recee and attempted twice to loot cash from cash van. But they had to abort the operation due to a timing mismatch, police said.

Role Of Cash Van Staff

The senior official said that cash van staff had shared all the information with the criminals including that the vehicle’s CCTV was not functioning and no chain was attached to the cash trunk and as well as the movement and route of the cash van.

“We have identified all the accused who were part of the conspiracy. All of them will be arrested soon,” Panda added.