Three robbers, disguised in army uniforms, looted gold and cash worth Rs 21 crore at gunpoint from an SBI bank in Vijayapura, Karnataka, and fled. Bank staff and customers were held hostage.
Vijayapura: A shocking incident occurred in the Vijayapura district of Karnataka on Tuesday evening when a robbery took place at a State Bank of India (SBI) branch. Three criminals entered the bank and fled after looting cash and gold from the vault and lockers. The robbers were wearing army uniforms, and their faces were covered, making it difficult for the police to identify them so far. This incident has sent shockwaves across the entire region.
Case of Bank Robbery in Army Uniform
According to the police, the three criminals entered the bank under the pretext of opening an account. They were wearing army uniforms, which prevented bank employees and customers from resisting them. The robbers were armed with country-made pistols and knives. They held the bank staff, including the cashier, manager, and other employees, hostage by intimidating them. The employees were locked in the toilet, and their hands and feet were tied with plastic bags.
This cunning robbery plan ensured that the employees and customers could not offer any resistance. The robbers threatened the staff, stating they would be killed if they resisted. In this manner, gold worth approximately Rs 20 crore and cash exceeding Rs 1 crore were looted from the bank.
Robbers Forced to Open Lockers and Vault
The robbers compelled the branch manager to open the vault and lockers. They filled bags with cash and customers' gold ornaments. The criminals acted so swiftly that no one present in the bank could confront them. The entire incident was completed within approximately 30 minutes.
The police stated that the robbers escaped using a van with a fake number plate and a two-wheeler. Their vehicle met with an accident while heading towards the neighboring state of Maharashtra. Despite this, the criminals managed to escape from the scene with the looted goods.
Police Launch Investigation
Vijayapura Superintendent of Police, Lakshman Nimbargi, informed that senior police officials reached the spot as soon as the incident was reported. Eight teams have been formed to identify and arrest the accused. He further stated that the vehicles used in the robbery are being investigated, and a joint search operation is being conducted with the police of neighboring states.
The police have appealed to citizens to remain vigilant of any suspicious activities in and around the bank. It was also mentioned that this robbery was highly organized and planned, indicating that the criminals were professionals.
Bank Robbery Causes Commotion in the Area
There is significant tension in Vijayapura and surrounding areas following this high-profile robbery. Bank staff and customers are living in fear. The local administration and police have increased security in the area. Additionally, the police have instructed all bank branches to remain alert.
Experts believe that such meticulously planned and organized robberies pose a challenge to the police and security agencies. Officials state that a large-scale operation is underway to arrest the accused soon. This robbery has made it clear that the criminals had planned at a high level and managed to escape with crores worth of goods, avoiding any form of obstruction.
