Three masked men armed with country-made pistols and knives allegedly robbed the State Bank of India branch in Chadchan town, Vijayapura district, on Tuesday evening, police said. The robbers tied up the staff before fleeing with cash and gold ornaments worth over Rs 21 crore.

The robbery occurred around 6.30 pm, according to police. The suspects entered the bank under the pretext of opening a current account. They reportedly threatened the manager, cashier, and other employees with pistols and knives, then tied up their hands and feet.

Cash and gold stolen

The FIR stated that the robbers escaped with more than Rs 1 crore in cash and gold ornaments weighing approximately 20 kg, valued at around Rs 20 crore, based on the bank’s estimate.

A case was registered following a complaint by the bank manager. Police have formed teams to track down the suspects. Vijayapura Superintendent of Police Laxman Nimbargi told PTI, “Further investigation is underway and all efforts are being taken to nab the suspects.”

Preliminary investigation indicates that the men used a Suzuki EVA vehicle with a fake number plate. After the robbery, they reportedly moved towards Pandharpur in Maharashtra.

(Inputs from PTI)