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Four men stepped out, each dressed in neat white shirts and ties, the kind of outfit that signals authority. They introduced themselves as officers from the Income Tax Department.
The impostors first collected every family member’s mobile phone, cutting off any chance of a quick call for help. They then gathered the occupants in a single room, locking the door from the outside (Image: Representative)
Bengaluru’s quiet Yelahanka neighborhood is still reeling after a robbery that felt straight out of a crime thriller. Four men, dressed as government officials, walked into a family home in broad daylight and walked out with cash and gold worth an estimated Rs 1.5 crore. Their weapon wasn’t a gun, it was the confidence of a crisp white shirt and a fabricated identity.
Crime in Plain Sight
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The house belonged to Giriraju, who had stored Rs 1.5 crore in cash inside a kitchen bag for an upcoming land purchase. On the day of the robbery, a white Toyota Innova rolled to a stop outside his home. Its number plate, police later learned, was fake.
Four men stepped out, each dressed in neat white shirts and ties, the kind of outfit that signals authority. They introduced themselves as officers from the Income Tax Department, flashing enough confidence to convince the family they were genuine.
Inside, they wasted no time. The impostors first collected every family member’s mobile phone, cutting off any chance of a quick call for help. They then gathered the occupants in a single room, locking the door from the outside.
Moving methodically, they asked where the household’s money was kept. With Giriraju away, the rest of the family, frightened and uncertain could do little but watch as the men searched the house.
A Calculated Getaway
Their search was short. In the kitchen they found the bag of cash. They also discovered about 50 grams of gold jewellery and quickly pocketed it. Before leaving, the gang changed the Innova’s fake number plate, ensuring that any eyewitness or camera footage would lead the police in circles. Within minutes they were gone, leaving no trace but fear.
The terrified family rushed to the Yelahanka Police Station to file a complaint. Investigators have since registered a case and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area. According to early police reports, this gang may be part of a larger network that specialises in posing as officials to trick unsuspecting residents. Multiple teams are now on the hunt, and checkpoints across the city have been tightened.
Senior officers have warned the public to be wary of anyone claiming to represent a government agency. Residents are urged to demand proper identification and to verify credentials before allowing anyone inside their homes. Police say swift arrests are a priority, but the case also serves as a wake-up call about how easily criminals can exploit trust in authority.
A City on Edge
For Giriraju’s family, the trauma lingers long after the robbers vanished. For Bengaluru, the incident is another reminder that crime evolves as quickly as the city grows. Robbers no longer need masks or weapons when a convincing disguise and a fake story can open doors. As investigators track the gang, citizens are left to reckon with a chilling truth: sometimes, the most dangerous knock on the door comes dressed as the law itself.
About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
September 23, 2025, 14:11 IST
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