Daring Heist in Vijayapura: Armed Men Rob SBI of Over ₹21 Crore in Gold and Cash

Vijayapura: In a brazen robbery, three masked men armed with pistols and knives looted a State Bank of India branch in Vijayapura district on Tuesday evening, escaping with cash and gold ornaments valued at over ₹21 crore.

The incident took place at the bank’s Chadchan town branch at approximately 6:30 PM. According to police, the trio initially posed as customers wanting to open a current account. Once inside, they brandished their weapons, including country-made pistols and knives, and threatened the bank manager, cashier, and other employees. They then restrained the staff by tying their hands and feet before proceeding to loot the bank’s reserves.

The FIR, filed based on the bank manager’s complaint, states the robbers stole more than ₹1 crore in cash. The majority of the loot was in gold ornaments, weighing around 20 kg and estimated to be worth nearly ₹20 crore.

Police have launched a massive manhunt to apprehend the culprits. “A case has been registered, and special teams have been formed to nab the suspects,” Vijayapura Superintendent of Police, Laxman Nimbargi, told reporters.

Preliminary investigations suggest the robbers used a Suzuki EVA vehicle fitted with a fake number plate for their getaway. They are believed to have fled towards Pandharpur in the neighbouring state of Maharashtra.

“Further investigation is underway and all efforts are being taken to nab the suspects,” SP Nimbargi added.

Source: PTI