In a significant development following the recent SBI bank branch robbery in Chadchan, Vijayapura police have successfully recovered a substantial amount of the stolen valuables.
According to SP Laxman Nimbargi, officers located a bag containing 6.54 kg of gold and ₹41.04 lakh in cash. The discovery was made in an abandoned building in Hulajanti village, located near Mangalwede in Maharashtra. This recovery marks a crucial step in the investigation into the daring heist, where three unidentified miscreants reportedly stole approximately 20 kg of gold and ₹1.4 crore in cash from the bank.
Mr. Nimbargi explained that the robbers were forced to abandon part of their loot after an unforeseen confrontation with residents of Hulajanti. Their getaway vehicle collided with a motorcycle, leading to an altercation. Subsequently, the accused fled the scene, leaving their car behind, after threatening villagers with firearms and knives.
Eight Teams Pursue Robbers
The SP assured the public that the investigation is progressing effectively and the accused will be apprehended soon. Eight specialized teams have been deployed to crack the case. He shared these updates with reporters at the Chadchan police station on Friday, September 19, 2025.
The robbery, which occurred on September 16, saw three masked individuals storm the bank, tie up staff and customers at gunpoint, and then empty the locker before making their escape.
Within an hour and a half of the crime, investigators managed to trace a car used in the offense. Inside, they found 21 gold packets and ₹1.03 lakh in cash. Initial inquiries revealed the vehicle had been stolen from Mangalwede, and the robbers were using a fake number plate.
Following these leads, police forces from Solapur and Vijayapura began a joint operation. They encircled Hulajanti village, maintained surveillance, and conducted thorough vehicle checks. It was during these efforts that the bag, filled with the stolen gold and money, was discovered on the roof of a dilapidated house in the village.
A case concerning the stolen car has been filed in Mangalwede, and the investigation continues as a collaborative effort between the Solapur and Vijayapura Police teams, the SP confirmed.