Vijayapura: In a shocking incident reminiscent of a crime thriller, an armed gang of over five masked robbers stormed the State Bank of India (SBI) branch in Chaddachan, Vijayapura district, looting ₹1 crore in cash and nearly 20kg of gold ornaments before fleeing towards Maharashtra.
The gang entered the bank around 6:30 pm, just before closing, threatening staff with pistols and forcing the manager, ATM guard, and other employees into a room, tying their hands and legs with plastic bands. Customers present inside were also locked up and threatened. During the heist, the robbers even fired a shot to intimidate bank staff, with a bullet later recovered from the scene.
This daring robbery comes barely months after a similar heist at a Canara Bank branch in Basavan Bagewadi, raising serious concerns about the state of law and order in Vijayapura.
Pre-planned Operation
Police sources revealed that the robbers had conducted recce for three days, observing staff, customer movement, and security lapses. Crucially, the branch had no security guard posted for three months, making it an easy target.
After the robbery, the gang escaped in a car with a fake number plate. They were later chased near Hulajanti village, where they abandoned the vehicle after an accident and fled on foot, brandishing pistols to threaten locals. Police believe the gang may belong to a notorious Maharashtra-based robbery network.
Investigation and Political Reactions
SP Laxman Nimbargi visited the spot and confirmed that CCTV footage, hard disks, and other forensic evidence had been seized. “We are coordinating with Maharashtra police. The gang will be arrested soon,” he said.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah directed police to trace and arrest the culprits immediately. Opposition leader R. Ashoka, however, launched a scathing attack, alleging, “Under this Congress government, robbers are enjoying a festival atmosphere. Law and order has collapsed, and citizens are unsafe.”
Public Panic
The heist has left depositors in shock, particularly those who stored gold and valuables in bank lockers. Panic-stricken customers gathered outside the branch on Friday morning, demanding clarity on their deposits.
One customer, Sangamesh, said he had pledged gold for a loan and is now worried. Another customer, Lakshmi, who stored 150g of gold in her locker, said, “Staff are not giving us clear answers. We are anxious.”
Pattern of Crimes
This is the second major bank heist in Vijayapura within months, following incidents in Kalaburagi, Bidar, and Mangaluru. Police admit that increasing unemployment and financial distress are fueling robberies and violent crimes across Karnataka.
For now, Vijayapura residents remain anxious, demanding stricter vigilance, security guards in all banks, and decisive government action to restore public confidence.
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