A City Breathes Easier: Notorious ATM Break-In Suspect Finally Nabbed in Bengaluru

There’s a collective sigh of relief, I imagine, across central Bengaluru, as police have successfully apprehended a man suspected of attempting to break into Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) right in the heart of the city. For a couple of days last month, specifically in late December, residents might have felt a slight unease, wondering who was trying to tamper with their cash access points. Thankfully, those worries can now subside, thanks to some sharp detective work.

The individual taken into custody has been identified as Mahesh, who also goes by Maheshwar Reddy, a 34-year-old. He’s accused of two distinct incidents that really got the police’s attention. Picture this: one night, he allegedly targeted a Canara Bank ATM located on bustling Residency Road. This happened on December 21st, 2023, if we’re being precise. Then, just the very next day, December 22nd, he reportedly tried his luck again, this time at an SBI ATM over on St Marks Road. That’s two major banks, two prominent city locations, all within a 24-hour window – quite brazen, wouldn't you say?

Now, what exactly was his method? Well, it wasn't exactly a high-tech heist straight out of a movie. From what the police have gathered, Mahesh would simply walk into these ATM kiosks, seemingly like any other customer. But instead of withdrawing cash, he’d apparently pull out a screwdriver and attempt to pry open the ATM machine itself. It sounds rather rudimentary, doesn't it? The good news is, in both these instances, he wasn't successful. He couldn’t force the machines open, and after his failed attempts, he simply fled the scene. No cash was lost, which is a significant relief for both the banks and their customers.

Of course, such incidents don't go unnoticed, especially with modern surveillance. The Cubbon Park police, under whose jurisdiction these attempts fell, immediately sprang into action. They meticulously reviewed CCTV footage from the ATM kiosks and surrounding areas. This is where technology truly becomes an invaluable asset in police work, offering crucial visual clues. Combining this with what they call "technical analysis," which could involve phone records or other digital trails, they started building a profile of the suspect. It takes patience and persistence, but it often pays off.

Their diligent efforts eventually led them straight to Mahesh alias Maheshwar Reddy, and he was apprehended in the Indiranagar area. Inspector Manjunath H. is credited with leading this successful operation. Upon his arrest, police recovered the very tool he allegedly used in his attempts: a screwdriver. It’s a simple item, yet it speaks volumes about the nature of these particular crimes.

What's truly striking, though, is Mahesh's background. It turns out he's no stranger to the criminal justice system. In fact, he’s described as a career criminal with a history stretching back to similar ATM break-in attempts, not just in Karnataka, but also in neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. And it’s not just ATMs; he's also reportedly been involved in chain-snatching and other theft cases. Here’s the kicker: he had only been released from prison about a month and a half prior to these recent incidents. It certainly paints a picture of someone who, regrettably, seems to fall back into old patterns rather quickly. Two cases have been formally registered against him at the Cubbon Park police station, ensuring he will face the consequences of his actions.