Police search for driver and sons after Rs 17 lakh ATM van theft in IS Sadan

The Hyderabad Police have launched a manhunt and formed five special teams after a cash van driver and his two sons allegedly stole Rs. 17 lakh from an ATM replenishment vehicle at IS Sadan on Tuesday. The driver, identified as Srinivas, allegedly planned the heist months in advance and fled the scene on a motorcycle with his elder son while the security staff were inside an SBI ATM kiosk.

The incident occurred on Tuesday when a cash van belonging to Cleared Security Services Private Limited set out with Rs. 30 lakh to replenish various ATMs across the city. The vehicle was staffed by Srinivas, cash custodians Suresh and Papayya, and gunman Nabi Saab.

After successfully replenishing cash at six ATM centres, the team arrived at the SBI ATM in IS Sadan. While Suresh, Papayya, and Nabi Saab entered the kiosk to load the cash, Srinivas remained alone in the vehicle. The van contained two cash bags, one containing Rs. 7 lakh and another containing Rs. 17 lakh.

According to the police, Srinivas, a native of Jagtial district who had joined the security company as a driver a few months ago, had instructed his elder son to follow the cash van on a motorcycle. Once the custodians and gunman were inside the kiosk, Srinivas took the bag containing Rs. 17 lakh, boarded his son's motorcycle, and fled.

When the ATM staff returned to the vehicle, they found both the driver and the cash bag missing. Custodian Suresh immediately lodged a complaint with the police, who registered a case and initiated an investigation.

CCTV footage analyzed by the police confirmed that Srinivas escaped on the motorcycle with his elder son. The duo reportedly travelled to Uppuguda, where they met Srinivas's younger son. Investigators believe a portion of the stolen cash was handed over to the younger son before he was sent away.

Srinivas and his elder son then allegedly hired a private cab and fled towards the Outer Ring Road near Shamshabad. Five special police teams are currently conducting intensive searches to locate the suspects and recover the stolen money.