Authorities in Vijayapura have successfully apprehended four individuals—three from Bihar and one from Maharashtra—in connection with the recent armed robbery at the State Bank of India branch in Chadchan.
A dedicated special investigation team, established to solve the complex case, has already made significant progress. They have recovered a substantial 9 kg of the 20 kg of stolen gold ornaments and ₹86 lakh out of the total ₹1.04 crore taken during the heist.
Additional Director-General of Police R. Hitendra proudly informed reporters that the Vijayapura Police force executed a highly successful investigation.
Under the leadership of Additional Superintendent of Police Ramanagouda Hatti, the team successfully arrested a man from Maharashtra, believed to be the mastermind behind the daring crime.
His identity remains confidential as the comprehensive investigation is still ongoing.
The primary suspect meticulously assembled a crew, orchestrated the entire plot to rob the bank, conducted multiple surveillance operations to understand the bank’s layout and staff routines, and then carried out the robbery with the assistance of two accomplices.
They allegedly stole a car from Mangalveda, Maharashtra, using it as their getaway vehicle. The alleged mastermind was apprehended on October 7th and has since been brought before a court. Investigators seized 55 grams of gold bangles and a motorcycle used in the crime, with the investigation continuing to unfold.
Leveraging advanced technical analysis and credible intelligence, the investigation team swiftly traveled to Bihar to track down and apprehend a gang responsible for supplying illegal firearms to the robbers.
Three individuals involved in providing the illegal weaponry—Rakesh Kumar Shivaji Sahani (22), Rajukumar Ramlal Paswan (21), and Rakshak Kumar Madan Mahato (21), all from Samastipur—were arrested and have also appeared in court.
The SBI Chadchan branch manager, Tarakeshwar G. Gangappa Venkatesh, had previously filed a complaint detailing the terrifying incident. He reported that on the day of the robbery, three masked individuals stormed the bank at 7:20 p.m., menacing staff and customers, tying them up, and escaping with a significant amount of gold and cash at gunpoint.
The Chadchan Police registered cases under specific sections of the BNS 2023 (Sections 309, 351(2), 127(1)) and the Indian Arms Act (Sections 25, 27).
Mr. Hitendra extended his commendation to the entire investigation team, including Mr. Hatti, Deputy Superintendents of Police Jagadish H.S. and Sunil Kamble, Police Inspectors Suresh Bende Gumbal, M.M. Dappin, and Ramesh Avaji, along with Sub-Inspectors Rakesh Bagali, Shrikanth Kamble, N.G. Apanaykar, Somesh Gejji, Manjunath Thirakannavar, Arvind Angadi, Devaraj Ulagaddi, and their dedicated staff.
Superintendent of Police Laxman Nimbargi revealed that the suspects abandoned the stolen car in Hulajanti village, Maharashtra, following an unexpected accident.
After threatening villagers with a pistol, the robbers fled the scene, but inadvertently left behind the car containing some of the stolen loot. While some locals initially took possession of these valuables, the police have since successfully recovered them.
Upon arriving at the scene, Vijayapura Police quickly secured the area and retrieved 21 packets from the abandoned car, which contained 888.33 grams of gold ornaments and ₹1,03,160 in cash.
The police investigation team promptly cordoned off the area where the vehicle was abandoned, including Hulajanti village, and conducted an intensive two-day search operation. Their efforts led to the discovery of a bag on the roof of a derelict house within the village, containing an additional 6.54 kg of gold ornaments and ₹41,03,000 in cash.