A case of mistaken identity linked to the recent ₹7.11-crore ATM cash van heist has taken a disturbing turn after a youth attempted to end his life after his photograph was mistakenly shown by media outlets as one of the arrested accused.
The police said that among the nine people arrested so far is Xavier alias M. Prajan, 36, a former employee of CMS Info Systems. He was one of the first to be picked up during the investigation.
However, another man named Xavier, aged around 25, attempted to end life after television channels flashed his photograph instead of the accused’s.
The mix-up came to light when the young man’s family approached a police station in the East Division, informing officers that their son had been wrongly identified as one of the heist suspects. The police immediately intervened and ensured he received medical attention.
City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh urged media organisations to verify details thoroughly before publishing photographs of accused persons. He said the department would also investigate whether the arrested Xavier had submitted the other man’s photograph during his recruitment, which may have contributed to the confusion.
(If you are in distress or having suicidal tendencies, please reach out to these 24/7 helplines: Tele Manas 14416 or 18008914416 or KIRAN 1800-599-0019 or Arogya Sahayavani at 104 for help)
Published – November 25, 2025 10:15 pm IST
