SBI Branch in Karnataka Robbed of Rs 21 Crore Loot
Three masked gunmen robbed a State Bank of India (SBI) branch in Chadachan, Vijayapura district, Karnataka. The heist occurred on Tuesday evening, when the robbers entered under false pretense, tied up staff, and made off with a large haul of cash and gold.
Loot Details
Authorities say the robbers escaped with approximately 20 kg of gold ornaments and about Rs 1.04 crore in cash, for a total value of around Rs 21.04 crore. The theft also involved looting of locker safes.
How It Was Done
The robbers reportedly posed as individuals wishing to open a current account. They were armed with pistols and knives. After overpowering the staff, they tagged staff and customers with plastic ties, broke into lockers, and destroyed security footage.
Investigation Underway
Police have launched a manhunt. They say the robbers fled in a Suzuki EVA vehicle with a fake number plate, and that the vehicle met with an accident in a village in Maharashtra. The fugitives are said to have escaped with the stolen item.
Past Heist Referenced
This robbery recalls an earlier major theft in the same district: in May, nearly 59 kg of gold and cash were stolen from the Canara Bank branch in Managuli, Vijayapura district—a case still under investigation.
