Inspired by Telugu film, six Bengaluru men carry out secret ATM theft operation, arrested: Report

Interrogation revealed that the group had been discreetly diverting money from ATMs over the past two years.

Updated on: Feb 8, 2025, 10:06:41 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

In a major crackdown, the Mahalakshmi Layout police in north Bengaluru apprehended six individuals for allegedly misappropriating cash from ATMs. Among those arrested, five were employees of a cash management firm, officials revealed on Friday.

Authorities confirmed that none of them had any prior criminal records. (Representational image)

According to a Deccan Herald report, the arrested individuals have been identified as Sameer S (26), Manohar K (29), Girish S (26), Jaggesh (28), Shivu K (27), and Jaswant V (27). While Jaswant hails from Laggere, the remaining suspects are residents of Nandini Layout in Bengaluru.

Authorities confirmed that none of them had any prior criminal records, the report added.

Acting on credible intelligence, law enforcement officers detained the six suspects on January 25 at a tea shop in Kempegowda Layout. "We received reports about a group of men engaged in a heated dispute over a large sum of money. Based on this tip-off, a police team was dispatched, and the individuals were taken into custody," an investigating officer stated as reported by the publication.

Upon their arrest, authorities confiscated a car and ₹43.76 lakh in cash. Interrogation revrouealed that the gp had been discreetly diverting money from ATMs over the past two years. Their operation involved skimming small amounts while loading cash into machines—an approach that evaded detection in routine audits.

(Also Read: Bengaluru Aero India 2025: Traffic curbs, key route changes for airport travelers and free bus services planned)

Inspired by movie?

A senior police official disclosed that the suspects were influenced by the Telugu movie Lucky Baskhar and had ambitious plans to invest the stolen funds. Further probing led to the recovery of an additional ₹8 lakh and three more vehicles, bringing the total seized amount to ₹90 lakh.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda revealed that the group exploited their privileged access to ATM passwords.

Authorities are now expanding their investigation to determine the number of ATMs targeted across the city and to uncover any potential accomplices in the scheme.

(Also Read: Bengaluru’s second airport: Nelamangala and Kanakapura road emerge as top choices)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest City News, local updates, weather alerts and breaking stories from Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and other major cities across India on Hindustan Times.