A 55-year-old driver, who was arrested on Wednesday for fleeing with a cash pick-up van that had Rs 72.60 lakh, has claimed he committed the crime because he was in dire need of money. Sherali Khan told Bangur Nagar police that his employer was not paying him on time and he needed money for his wife's treatment.

The incident took place on Wednesday afternoon, when Khan along with two others, including a security guard and a custodian, arrived at an establishment in Malad to collect cash. While the custodian went inside to get the cash, Khan sent the guard to get bhaji pav. As soon as the guard left, Khan fled away with the van which by then had Rs 72.60 lakh, the police said.