F.P. Report
PESHAWAR: In a major breakthrough, Peshawar police arrested suspects involved in a high-profile cash van robbery in the jurisdiction of Hashtnagri police station within hours of the crime. The arrested individuals, including the van driver, had been planning the heist for nearly a month.
Speaking to media persons at Malik Saad Police Lines, SSP Operations Masood Ahmad said the suspects had been surveying the area since early Ramadan, visiting the location on the 5th and 15th of the month to finalize their plan.
He added that on the day of the robbery, they targeted a Bank of Punjab cash van, held the staff at gunpoint, and fled with over Rs. 30 million. They also disarmed the security guard, taking his pistol before escaping.
Masood Ahmad further stated that upon receiving reports of the incident, senior police officials, including himself and SSP Investigation Noor Jamal, arrived at the crime scene.
CCTV footage was immediately collected, and initial questioning led to suspicions about the van driver and cashier, who were taken into custody for further interrogation.
SSP Operations revealed that during questioning, van driver Fazal Wahab, son of Munsif, provided conflicting statements, raising police suspicions. Under intense interrogation, he eventually confessed to his role in the robbery and disclosed the names of his accomplices.
A special police team swiftly moved in, arresting Umar Khan, son of Bakhmal Khan; Fareed Khan, son of Ismail; and Faheem, son of Akhtar Munir.
The team recovered Rs. 34.9 million, along with the vehicle used in the robbery, two motorcycles, and three pistols.
Following the robbery, CCPO Peshawar Qasim Ali Khan and SSP Operations Masood Ahmed ordered the formation of a special joint investigation team. The team comprised SP City Khalid Khan, SP Faqirabad Syed Talal Ahmed Shah, DSP Hashtnagri Zahoor Khan, DSP Investigation Khalid Khan, DSP Faqirabad Umar Afridi, SHO Hashtnagri Javed Khan, and SHO Kotwali Qazi Akmal.
The investigators used CCTV footage and extensive questioning to piece together the crime. Their efforts led to the recovery of the stolen money and weapons used in the robbery. All arrested suspects have confessed to their involvement, and further investigations are ongoing.
