What started as a routine theft complaint at a footwear business in Agra has spiraled into a major financial discovery, leaving investigators stunned. Police have recovered a staggering Rs 96.95 lakh in cash—nearly five times the amount initially reported stolen—and arrested three individuals in connection with the case.
From Routine Theft to Major Cash Discovery
The incident was reported from Harmeera Footcare, a shoe manufacturing and wholesale unit located in the Moti Katra area under the jurisdiction of the Madan Mohan Gate police station. Firm owner Harish Kumar Vanjani informed police that he had locked the premises around 9 pm on Monday. The next morning, his watchman alerted him that the shop's locks had been forcibly broken, suggesting a burglary.
Initially treated as a theft of Rs 20–22 lakh, the investigation took a dramatic turn. Suspicion quickly fell on a former employee, Neeraj Kumar, who had left the firm roughly 15 days before the incident. His intimate knowledge of the company's operations and cash handling procedures made him a prime suspect.
Inside Job Unraveled: Arrests and Confession
Following leads, police teams, with assistance from the cyber cell and counter-intelligence units, reached Neeraj's residence. There, they made the stunning recovery of Rs 96.95 lakh in cash. The arrested accused were identified as Akash Kumar, Neeraj, and their father Ashok Kumar.
"As soon as information was received, Additional DCP Aditya Singh reached the spot with his team," said DCP (city) Sayyed Ali Abbas. He explained that Harmeera Footcare is a wholesale business that involves frequent large cash transactions, procuring shoes from local manufacturers and supplying distributors.
During interrogation, Neeraj confessed to the crime. Police stated that he used his inside knowledge of the premises, including the locations of CCTV cameras and wiring, to plan the heist. He allegedly chose a foggy night to execute the theft, entered wearing a mask, cut a grille to gain access, and disabled the CCTV system before escaping with the cash. Recovered CCTV footage corroborated his movements.
Investigation Ongoing, Source of Cash Probed
The accused, who have no prior criminal record according to police, were arrested on Wednesday. A case under multiple BNS sections, including 305 (theft), has been registered, and the accused have been sent to jail.
Authorities are now delving deeper into the origins of the massive cash haul. Additional DCP Aditya Singh confirmed that further investigation is underway, with inquiries being conducted with other states to verify the source of the recovered money. The discovery of cash far exceeding the complaint value has added a complex layer to what first appeared to be a straightforward burglary.
