Armed attackers loot Rs 58 lakh from cash van in Thane

Thane: A group of unidentified armed men today allegedly looted Rs 58 lakh in broad daylight from a van ferrying the cash collected from ticket sales at railway stations, police said today.

The incident took place near Nilje railway station on Kalyan-Shil road in the district late this afternoon, hours before Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was scheduled to visit Dombivali in the district to address a rally using the same route.

The van had come to collect the cash from ticket sales at railway stations when the incident took place around 4 pm near Nilje railway station, a senior police officer said.

 "An armed security personnel, a driver and one other person were keeping the cash inside the van when a group of around seven unidentified persons threatened them with arms and choppers and took away cash worth Rs 58 lakh," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Parag Manere said.

 A white jeep was spotted at a distance near van by the victims. The jeep went away from the place and was later found abandoned near Diva railway station by crime branch sleuths with cash and accused missing from the spot.

 "We have seized the jeep and have pressed in several teams to track the accused, who shall be arrested soon," he said.

 Further investigation is on.