Hyderabad: Five arrested in connection with Rs. 29.6L heist at SBI Ravirala ATM
Hyderabad: A gang of five individuals, who stole ₹29.69 lakh from an ATM at SBI Ravirala Branch, Hyderabad, on March 2, 2025, has been apprehended. The accused, including residents from Rajasthan and Haryana, were arrested after an extensive investigation and surveillance led by the Adibatla Police with support from multiple teams.
According to the police report, the suspects arrived at the SBI Ravirala Branch in a white Swift car on March 2 at around 1:55 a.m. They sprayed black paint on the CCTV cameras to block surveillance and used a gas cutter to break into the ATM cash chest. The total amount stolen was ₹29,69,900.
A case was registered by the Adibatla Police on the complaint of Korra Sreevani, the Deputy Manager at SBI Ravirala Branch. Following the registration of the case, five special teams were formed under the direction of Commissioner of Police G. Sudheer Babu, IPS, and led by DCPs D. Sunitha Reddy and Aravind, with assistance from the Adibatla Police, CCS, SOT, and IT Cell.
Through a combination of technical evidence, analysis of the modus operandi, and human intelligence, the investigation identified the key accused, who were found to be involved in previous ATM thefts as well. The investigation led to the arrest of several suspects from Rajasthan and Haryana, while two main accused remain absconding.
Arrested and Seized Items
The arrested individuals include Rahul Khan (A-1), 25, JCB Mechanic, from Deeg, Rajasthan; Musthakeem Khan (A-2), 28, JCB Mechanic, from Deeg, Rajasthan; Waheed Khan (A-7), 18, JCB Mechanic, from Patan Chervu, Rajasthan; Shakeel Khan (A-8), 24, JCB Operator, from Patan Chervu, Rajasthan; Mohammed Sarfaraj (A-10), 28, Madrasa Teacher, from Ranga Reddy District, Telangana.
Items seized from the accused include ₹4,00,000 in cash, the white Swift VXI car used in the crime, a gas cutter, oxygen and LPG cylinders, various tools, gloves, mobile phones, and more, all valued at approximately ₹9.5 lakh.
The following individuals remain absconding and are wanted in connection with the case, Subdin Khan (A-4), a 28-year-old mechanic from Baundoli Village, Nuh District, Haryana; Rafeeq Khan (A-5), a 36-year-old JCB mechanic from Deeg, Rajasthan; Parvez @ Mannan (A-9), a 30-year-old JCB mechanic from Dhondal Village, Haryana; and Jahul Baddan Khan (A-6), a JCB mechanic and the car owner from Sujan Singh, Madhya Pradesh.
Investigation and Modus Operandi
The gang, made up of JCB operators and mechanics, carried out meticulous planning before the theft. They conducted reconnaissance around multiple ATMs in Hyderabad, including at Ravirala, Pahadi Shareef, and Madhuban Colony. They purchased tools for the crime, including a gas cutter and spray paint, which they used to disable surveillance and alarms.
After executing the theft at the SBI Ravirala ATM, the gang attempted to rob another ATM in Madhuban Colony, but were forced to flee when flames erupted from the cutting tool.
The suspects were found to have a history of similar crimes, with some having previously been arrested for ATM thefts in BDL Bhanur, Kushaiguda, and Orissa. Despite their past arrests, they resumed their criminal activities due to financial difficulties.
On March 24, 2025, surveillance revealed the gang's vehicle re-entering Hyderabad. The Adibatla Police, acting on this information, located the vehicle in Kongara Kalan on March 25, 2025, and arrested the suspects in the act of preparing for another robbery. During their interrogation, the accused confessed to both the Ravirala and Madhuban ATM thefts.
The police teams, including officers from the CCS and SOT, continued their efforts in various states like Rajasthan, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh to track down the remaining suspects.
The investigation was led by Adibatla Police Inspector S. Raghavender Reddy, along with DCP Sunitha Reddy and DCP Aravind, and supported by various teams, including the IT Cell, who helped trace the offenders through CCTV footage and other technical evidence. The investigation remains ongoing as the police continue to search for the absconding suspects involved in the crime.