Vijayapura: Chadchana SBI heist: ₹8 crore cash, 50 kg gold looted?

In a dramatic daylight robbery, thieves made away with nearly ₹8 crore in cash and 50 kilograms of gold jewellery from a State Bank of India branch in Chadchana town, Vijayapura district. Police have registered a case at Chadchana police station following a complaint by branch manager Tarakeshwar Venkatesh.

Also read: Rs 2 crore robbery with a knife on neck in broad daylight shocks Bengaluru’s Vidyaranyapura

According to the complaint, the crime unfolded when one of the accused entered the bank under the pretext of opening an account, his face concealed with a Covid mask. While the manager directed him to complete a form, two others joined him. Moments later, the gang threatened staff at gunpoint. One robber pointed a pistol at the manager, warning him to open the locker or face dire consequences.

Gang forced open the strongroom

The gang forced open the strongroom, seizing cash, keys, and ornaments. A bullet was recovered from the scene, as one of the culprits allegedly fired inside the bank to intimidate customers.

Vijayapura Superintendent of Police Laxman Nimbargi confirmed that three men were involved in the heist. They fled using a car with a fake registration plate and sped towards Maharashtra. Their escape took a twist when the vehicle met with an accident near Hulijanti village. Eyewitnesses reported a heated altercation between the gang and locals before the robbers vanished with the loot.

Police have launched a manhunt across state borders to track the fugitives. The sensational robbery has triggered panic in the region, with security at banks placed under tighter vigil.