A Tamil Nadu couple was allegedly robbed of nearly Rs 23 lakh in cash, demand drafts and valuables in a dramatic diversion theft incident on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The robbery took place in Karnataka’s Anekal taluk and has raised fresh concerns over organized theft gangs targeting property buyers and sellers near registration offices.
According to police, the incident occurred around 2 PM on Friday near Guddahatti Gate on Hosur Road. The victims, identified as 65-year-old N. Krishna Mohan and his wife from Cuddalore district in Tamil Nadu, had reportedly come to Anekal to complete a property sale transaction.
After finishing formalities at the sub-registrar’s office, the couple was travelling in their car carrying cash, demand drafts, gold jewellery and other valuables linked to the property transaction.
Police said the couple noticed that one of the tyres of their car appeared to have lost air while they were driving. At that moment, an unidentified man approached them and offered to help by showing them a nearby puncture repair shop.
Believing the stranger, Krishna Mohan reportedly accompanied him a short distance away to locate the repair shop, while his wife remained near the vehicle parked close to a petrol station.
During this distraction, unidentified miscreants allegedly smashed the front windshield of the car and escaped with bags containing cash, gold ornaments, demand drafts and other valuable items.
The accused reportedly fled the spot before the victims realized they had been targeted in a planned theft operation.
Krishna Mohan later filed a complaint with the police, following which an investigation was launched into the case.
Police officials suspect that the gang may have followed the couple from the sub-registrar’s office after identifying them as potential targets carrying large amounts of money after the property transaction.
Investigators believe the puncture situation may have been intentionally created by the gang as part of a diversion strategy commonly used in organized theft cases.
Authorities are now examining CCTV footage from the sub-registrar office area, nearby roads and petrol stations to trace the suspects and identify the vehicles used in the crime.
Police sources indicated that such gangs often operate in teams, where one member distracts victims while others quickly break into vehicles and steal valuables within minutes.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks involved in carrying large amounts of cash during property transactions. Police have advised citizens to:
- Avoid carrying huge cash amounts
- Use secure digital transactions whenever possible
- Stay alert near registration offices
- Immediately contact police if approached suspiciously
- Avoid leaving valuables unattended inside vehicles
Officials also urged people involved in property deals to use bank transfers and safer payment methods rather than transporting large sums physically.
The investigation is currently underway, and police are trying to identify whether the accused are part of a larger interstate theft network operating around Bengaluru and Hosur Road.
