The mastermind behind a ₹40 lakh heist from an ATM has been arrested along with his accomplice, 12 days after the incident, the police said on Monday.
On February 19, two armed bike-borne assailants robbed ₹40 lakh from an SBI ATM in Sector 82 while the money was to be replenished in the machine, they said.
While trying to flee with the money, their motorcycle rammed another vehicle and they fell down. One of them, Nanhe, from Bulandshahr, was arrested but the other managed to escape, the police said. SSP Gautam Buddh Nagar Vaibhav Krishna said the mastermind of the heist, Gajendra, and his accomplice Anil, were held on Sunday at a police picket during a special drive conducted across the district to check street crime.
“During the ‘Operation Gherabandi’ on Sunday, the two suspects were intercepted by police near Kulesara border under Phase 2 police station limits. “However, they were reluctant to stop for police enquiry but at that time, their motorcycle skidded and Anil was nabbed from the spot. Gajendra tried to escape but was caught by a police team,” the officer said.
Items recovered
Around ₹4 lakh, two countrymade pistols along with ammunition were recovered from them and their motorcycle was impounded, he said. Krishna said during probe it emerged that this money was part of the amount that was looted from the ATM and Gajendra was the mastermind behind the heist.
“They have also admitted to their involvement in several cases of robbery in Ghaziabad, Noida, Delhi and other parts of the NCR,” the SSP said.
Both Anil and Gajendra have been charged with robbery, related offences and also booked under the Arms Act, the police said.