In a shocking incident in Chadchan town, Vijayapura district, Karnataka, three masked men stormed into a State Bank of India branch around 6.30 pm, tied up staff, and fled with over Rs 20 crore in cash and gold. The gang, armed with country-made pistols and knives, fooled the manager by pretending they wanted to open a current account, say police.

After they got inside, they restrained the manager, cashier, and others, binding their hands and feet before taking valuables. The stolen items include cash amounting to more than a crore and gold ornaments weighing about 20 kg. They escaped in a Suzuki EVA vehicle which had a fake number plate, according to investigators.

The local police have registered an FIR based on the bank manager’s complaint and launched a manhunt. Superintendent of Police Laxman Nimbargi confirms that enquiries are underway to trace the suspects. Officials believe the robbers may have fled toward Pandharpur in Maharashtra after the heist. 

This brazen robbery has left bank employees shaken and questions being asked about security protocols at bank branches in smaller towns. The fact that simple ruse (pretending to open account) was enough to get access has alarmed many. Residents hope rapid action by police will bring the culprits to justice, and banks will beef up safety.