Major Heist on Mumbai-Nashik Highway: Police Arrest Five Suspects

In a dramatic turn of events, police have arrested five individuals, including a constable, linked to a cash van heist on the Mumbai-Nashik highway. The suspects allegedly impersonated crime branch officers to steal ₹61.50 lakh. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities searching for additional suspects and examining potential police involvement. This incident raises significant concerns about security measures in place for cash transport. Read on for more details about this unfolding case.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 1, 2026, 19:02 IST

Mumbai/Nashik: Police Crack Down on Cash Van Heist

In a significant operation, law enforcement has apprehended five individuals, including a constable from Thane rural police, in connection with the theft of ₹61.50 lakh from a cash van on the Mumbai-Nashik highway. The police have yet to recover the stolen amount and are actively searching for additional suspects.

Cash Van Stopped by Impersonators

The incident occurred in the early hours of August 24. Reports indicate that a cash van belonging to K P Angadia Company, carrying approximately ₹1 crore from Gwalior to Mumbai, was involved. The van was operated by driver Govind Patel and his assistant Jigar Patel.

After a stop in the Khardi area, the van resumed its journey around 1:15 AM when three individuals allegedly posing as crime branch officers halted the vehicle, instructing the crew to accompany them to a police station.

Taken Towards Nashik, Then Back to Mumbai

According to police, the suspects seized the van's keys and forced the employees into the front seat. They then drove the van towards Nashik.

Reports suggest that the assailants attempted to extract information about the cash and physically assaulted the crew. After traveling approximately 10-12 kilometers, they turned the vehicle back towards Mumbai.

Heist Executed Near Abandoned Hotel

The police reported that the van was stopped near a deserted hotel, where two additional accomplices arrived. The suspects then allegedly extracted ₹61.50 lakh from the cash load and fled the scene in a white car.

Initially, it was believed that the van contained around ₹1 crore, but the thieves reportedly made off with ₹61.50 lakh.

Police Utilize CCTV and Tech to Identify Suspects

Following the incident, Shahpur police registered a case and initiated an investigation. They utilized CCTV footage and technical data to identify and arrest five suspects, including a constable from Thane rural police.

Authorities have refrained from disclosing the identities of the arrested individuals, citing concerns that it may alert other suspects still at large.

Search for Additional Suspects Continues

The police suspect that 7-8 more individuals may be involved in the heist, with some possibly linked to Gujarat. Efforts are ongoing to locate the fugitives and recover the stolen cash.

Investigation into Police Involvement

The arrest of a police officer has intensified the investigation. Authorities are now probing whether the suspects had prior knowledge of the cash van's movements or the amount of cash it carried. This aspect of the investigation is still ongoing, and no conclusions have been reached yet.

This alleged robbery on the Mumbai-Nashik highway has raised serious concerns about security protocols. The police are focusing on interrogating the arrested suspects, capturing the remaining fugitives, and recovering the ₹61.50 lakh.