They arrived in a multi-utility vehicle, introduced themselves as
officials
from the income tax department and said they had orders to search the house. Not suspecting any foul play, a tomato trader’s family in
Kolar
allowed them in. But by the time the family realised that the six men were actually robbers, Rs 35 lakh cash and jewellery worth Rs 20 lakh had disappeared.
The incident occurred around 8.15pm in Byre Gowda Extension area of Kolar town and the victims were tomato trader and former
APMC
president
Ramesh and his family. In fact, when the inmates questioned the identity of the six men, the latter allegedly showed some files with imprints of the
CBI. Believing them, Ramesh opened the grilled door on the first floor of the house and allowed them in. On entering the house, the miscreants reportedly asked the family members to show them the place where money and other valuables were kept. Thinking it to be part of the search operation, Ramesh, his wife and son answered their questions and showed them the place where the cash and jewellery had been stored. When the miscreants began to pack the items, Ramesh got suspicious and questioned them about the absence of police.
The miscreants threatened them with a machete and knife. They forced all three into the puja room and tied them with ropes. Later, they left the house after damaging the CCTV.
Kolar SP K Devaraj rushed to spot and collected information from Ramesh and family. According to sources, Ramesh is a tomato trader and is also running a chit fund business. He had reportedly brought around Rs 35 lakh cash from office in his two-wheeler and had kept the money at home. Police suspect that someone aware of this committed the crime.