PESHAWAR: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Masood Ahmed announced the apprehension of four suspects linked to the recent cash van robbery in Peshawar, where armed robbers made off with Rs35 million.
The incident occurred on Monday when a bulletproof cash van, on its way to deliver funds to various districts, was intercepted by the assailants.
As captured in CCTV footage, the heist unfolded in Hashtnagri, with four armed individuals on motorcycles forcing the bank’s cash van to halt before stealing the money at gunpoint. Following the robbery, a first information report (FIR) was filed by the bank.
During a press conference in Peshawar, SSP Ahmed disclosed that the van’s driver played a critical role in the heist. Employed for just six months, the driver had not undergone adequate background screening. Investigators found that he had been dismissed from previous jobs, and his complicity allowed the robbers to execute their plans effectively.
SSP Ahmed further commented on the methods used in the heist, revealing that the criminals utilized a “carry dabba” and a motorcycle for their getaways.
The investigation also identified significant breaches in standard operating procedures (SOPs), notably the driver’s decision to open the cash van’s door—an action that should not have taken place.
While acknowledging these security lapses, the SSP emphasized the prompt response by law enforcement, which included multiple raids leading to the suspects’ arrests. The police are currently working to verify the criminal backgrounds of those detained as the investigation progresses.
