₹20 Crore SBI Heist in Vijayapura: Masked Robbers Tie Up Staff in Daring Daylight Robbery
₹20 Crore SBI Heist in Vijayapura: Masked Robbers Tie Up Staff in Daring Daylight Robbery
A major bank robbery in Vijayapura, Karnataka, as three masked and armed individuals loot over ₹20 crore in cash and gold from an SBI branch after tying up staff. A massive manhunt is underway.
VIJAYAPURA, KARNATAKA – The city of Vijayapura was shaken on Wednesday by a brazen, high-value heist, as a team of three masked and armed individuals robbed a State Bank of India (SBI) branch, escaping with cash and gold estimated to be worth over ₹20 crore. The daring daylight robbery has triggered a massive manhunt across the state and sent shockwaves through the nation’s banking sector.
The incident, which appears to have been meticulously planned, took place at a prominent SBI branch in the heart of the city. A state-wide high alert has been issued as Karnataka Police launch a full-scale investigation.
How the Heist Unfolded
According to preliminary police reports, the three robbers entered the bank premises during operational hours, their faces concealed behind masks. Brandishing firearms, they quickly overpowered the bank staff and the few customers present.
In a swift and terrifying sequence of events, the perpetrators reportedly tied up the bank employees to prevent them from raising an alarm. With the staff immobilized, the robbers gained access to the bank’s vault and lockers.
“It all happened very quickly. They were armed and knew exactly what they were doing,” a shaken eyewitness told local reporters. “They threatened everyone and ordered them not to move before tying up the staff.”
The Staggering Haul: Cash and Gold
The robbers managed to loot a significant amount of cash from the vault, along with a large quantity of gold, which is often stored in bank lockers as part of gold loan schemes. The combined value of the stolen assets is currently estimated to be in excess of ₹20 crore, making it one of the largest bank heists in the state’s recent history.
Massive Manhunt Launched by Karnataka Police
Immediately after the robbers fled the scene, the bank manager managed to alert the authorities. Vijayapura police rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area. A massive investigation was launched instantly, with several special teams being formed to crack the case.
Key aspects of the investigation include:
CCTV Footage Analysis: Police are meticulously scanning CCTV footage from the bank and surrounding areas to identify the culprits and their escape vehicle.
State-Wide Alert: Checkpoints have been established on major highways and exit points from the city and district to prevent the robbers from escaping.
Forensic Investigation: A forensic team is collecting evidence, including fingerprints and other clues, from the crime scene.
“We have launched a full-scale manhunt and are exploring all possible angles,” stated a senior police official at the scene. “We are confident of tracking down the accused soon.”
The incident has also brought the security protocols at public sector banks under intense scrutiny, with questions being raised about the measures in place to prevent such high-value robberies. Both the police and SBI are expected to conduct a thorough review of the security lapses that led to the heist.
Keywords: SBI heist Vijayapura, Karnataka bank robbery, State Bank of India heist, ₹20 crore robbery, Vijayapura crime news, bank robbery Karnataka, armed heist, masked robbers, Karnataka police.
