Daijiworld Media Network – Vijayapura
Vijayapura, Jun 27: In a sensational breakthrough, the Vijayapura district police have arrested a senior manager of Canara Bank and two accomplices in connection with the audacious theft of nearly 59 kg of gold worth Rs 53.26 crore from the bank’s Managuli branch. The incident, which shocked banking circles across Karnataka, had occurred between May 23 and 25.
Superintendent of police Laxman Nimbargi confirmed the arrest of Vijayakumar Mohanara Miriyala (41), Chandrashekar Kotilingam Nerella (38) and Sunil Narrasimhalu Moka (40). The police have recovered gold ornaments and bars worth Rs 10.75 crore along with two cars used in the commission of the crime.
The SP revealed that the meticulously planned heist involved insider knowledge, diversion tactics, and elaborate deception. According to investigators, the accused entered the bank by breaking open the main door lock, switching off the alarm system, and using a duplicate key to access the locker. Surprisingly, only one locker — the one containing the gold — was opened, while another locker was left untouched, indicating precise prior information.
In a bizarre twist, the thieves also left behind a black doll, possibly intended to suggest black magic, as a tactic to distract or mislead investigators.
The accused even removed the bank’s CCTV system, making it initially difficult for authorities to trace their identity. They had also reportedly planted misleading materials inside the branch to divert police attention.
In response to the high-profile case, the SP had constituted eight dedicated teams, led by senior officers including additional SPs Shankar Marihal and Ramanagouda Hatti, and deputy SPs TS Sulpi, Sunil Kamble, and Ballappa Nandgavi. These teams worked in close coordination under the supervision of multiple circle inspectors and sub-inspectors across the district.
The case, initially registered under Sections 331(3), 331(4), and 305(E) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, has since seen rapid progress due to scientific investigation methods and painstaking evidence gathering, the SP noted.
All three accused were produced in court on June 26, even as police continue the search for additional culprits and remaining stolen items.
SP Nimbargi lauded his team’s efforts and reiterated that no one involved in the crime will be spared, assuring that justice will be served in one of the biggest bank heists Karnataka has witnessed in recent years.