The sensational ₹7 crore ATM cash van robbery case in Bengaluru has taken a dramatic turn with the investigation revealing that the mastermind behind the crime was a police constable.
Annappa Naik, attached to the Govindapura Police Station, has been identified as the key conspirator, according to investigators.
Sources said that the manner in which Annappa came under the police radar was as surprising as the revelation itself. “His oversmartness and excessive politeness ultimately exposed him,” said a police official.
Suspicious conduct at checkposts
The sources said that on the day of the robbery, multiple checkposts were set up across the South and East divisions of the city, with police stopping and inspecting every vehicle. Annappa, who had previously worked with the crime team at the Banaswadi Police Station, arrived at one such checkpost — despite having no duty there.
He approached the head constable on duty and started inquiring about the robbery. He specifically asked whether the getaway vehicle had been traced and even showed a photo, asking if the viral image circulating online was genuine. He also monitored wireless communications at the spot.
Sensing something odd, the head constable questioned him, asking why an officer from another station was present at that location.
Previous suspicions
The police personnel at the Banaswadi station were allegedly already familiar with Annappa’s questionable conduct in earlier instances. His presence at the checkpost, coupled with past suspicions, raised a red flag. Officers began to consider whether Annappa himself could be involved in the robbery.
Immediately, the information was relayed to the shift officer at the Govindarajanagar Police Station. It was then confirmed that Annappa was neither on beat duty nor officially assigned any task at that time — deepening the suspicion.
Interrogation leads to breakthrough
The sources said the police kept a close watch on his movements and noted several unusual behavioural patterns. Annappa was soon taken into custody for questioning. After interrogation, he reportedly confessed to his role in the robbery. His call record details proved his links to Xavier, a former CMS staff.
The breakthrough proved critical for the investigation, which had been struggling for leads. With the constable’s confession, the mystery surrounding the high-value robbery finally began to unravel.
The police have taken Annappa and two others into custody for ten days to continue further investigation.
Published – November 22, 2025 08:45 pm IST
