KALYAN: A 60-year-old businessman carrying Rs 40 lakh in cash was allegedly assaulted and robbed in broad daylight on a busy street in Kalyan on Tuesday, raising questions over police security arrangements during the ongoing Ganesh festival.The incident occurred around 1.10pm on Agra Road when Farukh Akhtar (60) was travelling on his two-wheeler with a staff member to deposit the cash at a bank. According to police, four unidentified men wearing masks riding separate two-wheelers allegedly followed Akhtar and then rammed one of the vehicles into his two-wheeler, causing him to fall. The accused both two wheelers were without number plate.The accused allegedly assaulted Akhtar, snatched the bag containing ₹40 lakh and fled from the spot. The robbery, which took place during the afternoon on a busy road, was captured on CCTV cameras.The Bazarpeth police registered a robbery case and began examining CCTV footage from the area to identify the suspects and track their escape route. Police are also scanning footage from adjoining roads.Investigators suspect that the accused may have been familiar with Akhtar’s routine. The complainant works as distributor of a biscuit company and several other businesses in Kalyan and regularly visits banks to deposit cash. Police are probing whether the accused had prior information about his movements and deliberately targeted him near the bank route.The robbery has raised concerns as it took place during Ganesh festival celebrations, when additional police deployment and security measures are in place across Kalyan. Police are now checking whether the suspects had conducted a recce of the area before executing the robbery. Further investigation is underway.
