Indore: Two Mall Staff Among Five Held In ₹8.11 Lakh Robbery

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): What began as a regular workday for a cash collection agent ended in shock, injury, and the unraveling of a carefully orchestrated robbery — allegedly planned from within the very mall he served.

Kanadia police have arrested five individuals, including two employees of Phoenix Citadel Mall, in connection with the ₹8.11 lakh robbery of a cash collection agent. The crime took place on June 10, and two more suspects remain absconding.

Achpal Od, a collection agent for Radiant Cash Management Services, had just completed his round of cash pickups from various retail outlets inside Phoenix Mall. At around 1:30 p.m., he was riding his two-wheeler along the Kanadia bypass bridge, en route to Bank of India, Bicholi Mardana, to deposit the day's collections.

That’s when three men on a motorcycle suddenly blocked his path, snatched the bag carrying ₹8,11,916, and pushed him off his bike, injuring him before fleeing the scene.

It seemed like another case of roadside snatching. But what investigators would uncover next added a darker twist — the plan had been hatched inside the mall itself.

Modus Operandi

According to Additional DCP (Zone-2) Amrendra Singh, two mall employees had been keeping a watchful eye on Achpal’s movements for weeks. Gungun Sirohiya, who worked at Coco Cart, is alleged to be the mastermind.

Raj Pawar, employed at Häagen-Dazs, helped track the victim’s daily cash pick-up routine. The duo passed detailed information to their outside accomplices, who waited for the right moment. The accomplices outside were alerted when Achpal exited the mall with the cash, with the help of WhatsApp.

Gyanendu Sharma, a bike taxi rider, tailed Achpal discreetly until he reached the isolated stretch where the two main snatchers — Piyush alias Prince Billore and Vikas alias Dau — made their move.

Crackdown and Recovery

Acting swiftly, police formed a special investigation team and within days apprehended five suspects. Among the seized items were: ₹4.2 lakh in cash, an expensive mobile phone and two motorcycles used in the crime. Police say the gang spent a part of the loot on shopping, fixed deposits, and gambling.

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