Bengaluru: In a major daylight robbery, a group of armed men posing as Central Tax officials intercepted an ATM cash-loading van near the Ashoka Pillar and escaped with cash reportedly worth several crores. Sources told NDTV that the amount stolen may be around Rs 7 crore.

The CMS cash van was transporting money from HDFC Bank’s JP Nagar branch when a Toyota Innova suddenly blocked its path. The men inside the Innova approached the CMS staff, claiming to be from the Central Tax Department and insisting they needed to verify documents.

Before the van’s crew could respond, the suspects allegedly forced both the staff and the cash into their vehicle. The gang then drove towards Dairy Circle, where they abandoned the CMS personnel and fled with the money.

Police in the South Division have formed special teams and launched an intensive search to trace and arrest the culprits. Preliminary investigations suggest the involvement of a well-organised gang.