Fri Apr 04 15:34:10 UTC 2025: **Davangere Bank Heist Solved: Six Arrested, ₹13 Crore in Gold Recovered**
**Davangere, Karnataka, April 4, 2025** – Six individuals, including three from Tamil Nadu, have been arrested in connection with the theft of over 17 kg of gold, valued at ₹13 crore, from the Nyamati branch of the State Bank of India in Davangere district. The heist, which occurred on October 28, 2024, involved the theft of pledged gold ornaments.
Police investigations revealed that the accused meticulously planned the robbery over six to seven months, drawing inspiration from crime series on OTT platforms and social media, including multiple viewings of “Money Heist.” The group, led by Vijaykumar, 30, a sweetmeat shop owner from Madurai, allegedly targeted the bank in revenge after loan applications were rejected.
The accused utilized a gas cutter to access the strongroom and stole a DVR to erase CCTV evidence. They also spread chili powder throughout the bank to obscure potential clues. The stolen gold was recovered, along with tools used in the crime, including a gas cutter and hand gloves. The prime suspect, Vijaykumar, hid the gold in an irrigation well in Madurai. Police also recovered gold that had been sold and pledged in the names of Vijaykumar’s relatives.
The arrests came after a six-month investigation by the Davangere police, leveraging technical evidence. The investigation also led to the arrest of five members of the notorious Kakrala gang, solving several other theft and robbery cases in the region. IGP (Eastern Range), B.R. Ravikanthe Gowda, commended the Davangere police for their dedication in solving the high-profile case. All six accused are first-time offenders.
First Piper 