Chandigarh Police Crack Rs 13-Lakh CTU Cash Branch Theft Case
The Chandigarh Police's Crime Branch has successfully cracked a significant theft case involving approximately Rs 13.13 lakh stolen from the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) cash branch. The breakthrough came with the arrest of two accused individuals, including a former CTU conductor, and the recovery of Rs 13.08 lakh of the stolen cash.
Details of the Arrests and Recovery
According to police officials, the primary accused has been identified as Ved Pal Singh, a 49-year-old former conductor who is currently posted as a sub-inspector within the CTU system. During the investigation, authorities found Ved Pal Singh in possession of over Rs 10 lakh in cash, along with a fake police uniform, keys, and a vehicle allegedly used in the commission of the crime.
The second accused is Prashant, Ved Pal Singh's 30-year-old nephew, who works as a financier with a private bank in Sonipat, Haryana. Police recovered Rs 3.03 lakh from Prashant's possession. Both individuals are currently in police custody following their formal arrests on January 29.
Modus Operandi of the Theft
The theft occurred during the night hours of January 27 at the CTU cash branch located at ISBT, Sector 17. The accused executed the crime by impersonating a police officer to deceive the on-duty security guard. Wearing a police uniform and a monkey cap, the perpetrator posed as a law enforcement official, confined the guard in a record room, accessed the cash room, opened the locker, and fled with the substantial amount of cash.
Police investigation revealed that Ved Pal Singh's previous employment as a conductor at the CTU cash branch between July 2022 and October 2024 provided him with detailed inside knowledge of the cash handling procedures, locker keys, and staff movement patterns. This insider information proved crucial in planning and executing the theft.
Investigation Timeline and Recovery
Following the theft report on January 27, an FIR was registered at the Sector 17 police station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The case was subsequently transferred to the Crime Branch for specialized investigation.
The Crime Branch apprehended Ved Pal Singh on January 28. During intensive questioning, he provided crucial leads that led to the arrest of his nephew Prashant. Based on disclosures made by the accused, police successfully recovered Rs 13,08,900 in cash. Additionally, authorities seized the fake police uniform used in the crime, consisting of one jacket and a pair of shoes, along with the car allegedly utilized during the theft.
Execution of the Crime
Police reconstruction indicates that Ved Pal Singh, armed with his insider knowledge and a procured police uniform, entered the CTU cash branch around 3 AM on January 27. His nephew Prashant waited outside in the getaway vehicle. After misleading and confining the security guard, Ved Pal accessed the cash locker and made off with the money, which was later divided between the two accomplices.
Ongoing Investigation and Security Concerns
Chandigarh Police have confirmed that further investigation is underway to examine possible security lapses at the CTU cash branch. Authorities are also working to verify whether any additional persons were involved in planning or executing the theft. The case highlights concerns about internal security protocols and the vulnerability of cash handling facilities to insider threats.
The successful resolution of this case demonstrates the effectiveness of the Crime Branch's investigative techniques in tackling financial crimes involving impersonation and insider knowledge. As the investigation continues, police officials emphasize their commitment to addressing security vulnerabilities and preventing similar incidents in the future.
