Businessman's Driver Held for Orchestrating Highway Loot in Jhansi
Police in Jhansi made a significant arrest on Monday, apprehending the driver of a local businessman for his alleged role in a brazen highway robbery. The incident occurred on January 12 near the Semri toll plaza on the busy Jhansi-Kanpur highway, close to Chirgaon.
Recovery of Stolen Cash and Evidence
Authorities have successfully recovered Rs 2 lakh from the total looted amount of Rs 7 lakh. Along with the cash, police seized 42 scratch and win coupons from the accused. Two other suspects involved in the case remain at large, prompting an ongoing manhunt by law enforcement teams.
Details of the Crime and Investigation
The arrested individual, identified as Vikas Pal (23), worked as the driver for the businessman. He accompanied the businessman's accountant, Sarvesh Kushwaha, on an official trip to Kanpur. Sarvesh's minor daughter also traveled with them during this journey.
On their return trip, Sarvesh collected money from three different vendors at various locations. After passing through the Semri toll plaza, two armed assailants on a motorcycle intercepted their vehicle. The miscreants looted the collected cash at gunpoint.
Police initially registered a case against unknown persons under Section 309(6). During their investigation, officers noticed inconsistencies in Vikas Pal's statements. Under sustained interrogation, Vikas eventually confessed to his involvement in planning the robbery.
Police Statement and Ongoing Efforts
SSP Jhansi BBGTS Murthy provided details about the case. "Vikas Pal was the key conspirator of the loot," Murthy stated. "His accomplices were identified as Naresh Parihar and Jitendra, both from Datiya district of Madhya Pradesh. The total looted amount was Rs 7 lakh, of which Rs 2 lakh was recovered. Our teams are trying to catch the other two accused."
The investigation revealed that Vikas Pal collaborated with two other individuals to plan and execute the robbery. Police continue their efforts to locate and apprehend the remaining suspects while examining all evidence collected from the scene.
