In a daring robbery reminiscent of high-stakes crime dramas, a group of armed masked individuals targeted a State Bank of India (SBI) branch in Chadchan town, Vijayapura district, in Karnataka on the evening of September 16. The incident unfolded around 6:30 pm, after the bank had closed its doors to the public, catching the staff off guard.
According to reports, between three and five assailants, dressed in military-inspired outfits and wielding homemade firearms and blades, stormed the premises. Some entered posing as potential clients inquiring about opening a new account, while others may have stayed outside to keep watch. Once inside, they quickly subdued the employees, including the branch manager and cashier, by issuing threats and restraining them with ties on their limbs. In one account, the robbers even confined the workers in a restroom and discharged shots within the building to instil fear. A few customers present at the time were also reportedly bound during the ordeal.
Under duress, the staff were compelled to unlock the secure storage areas, allowing the perpetrators to access and seize approximately Rs 1.04 crore in currency and around 20 kilograms of gold valuables, estimated at ₹20 crore. The total haul amounted to more than Rs 21 crore. The thieves loaded the stolen items into bags, secured the bank from the exterior, and escaped in a Suzuki car bearing counterfeit license plates. Authorities believe they headed toward the neighbouring state of Maharashtra, possibly via routes leading to Pandharpur, and there was mention of a minor collision with a motorcycle during their getaway.
"The accused used an Ecco vehicle with a fake number plate to commit the offence. After an accident involving a two-wheeler, they then then absconded from the spot with the loot," Vijayapura Superintendent of Police, Lakshman Nimbargi, said.
The absence of the security personnel, who was on leave that day, may have contributed to the vulnerability of the branch. Surveillance cameras recorded the event, providing crucial evidence for investigators. Local law enforcement was alerted promptly, and a formal complaint from the bank manager led to the registration of a case. Specialised units have been deployed to pursue the suspects, with ongoing probes aiming to identify and capture them swiftly.
This marks the second major bank theft in Vijayapura within the last four months, following a similar incident at a Canara Bank location where substantial assets were taken, though recoveries and detentions were achieved in that instance. Officials are examining potential connections between the crimes as part of their broader inquiry.
