Karnataka Police Join Multi-State Investigation into Massive Rs 400 Crore Demonetised Cash Heist
In a significant development, the Karnataka Police have officially joined forces with their counterparts in Maharashtra and Goa to investigate an alleged Rs 400 crore heist of demonetised currency notes that occurred at Chorla Ghat last year. This tri-state collaboration marks a crucial step in unraveling what is being described as one of the largest robberies in recent Indian history.
The Complaint and Initial Allegations
The case originated from a complaint filed in December 2025 by Maharashtra-based businessman Sandeep Dutta Patil at the Ghoti Police Station in Nashik. Patil alleged that in October of the same year, two container trucks transporting demonetised ₹2,000 notes worth ₹400 crore, belonging to Thane-based realtor Kishor Sawla, were stolen in the forested area of Chorla Ghat. This region is strategically located at the intersection of Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa, complicating jurisdictional aspects of the investigation.
Multi-State Coordination and Investigation Challenges
Belagavi Superintendent of Police K Ramarajan confirmed on Sunday that a team from the district is actively coordinating with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Maharashtra Government. "The Belagavi police team is currently in Nashik to gather more detailed information and evidence related to this complex case," Ramarajan stated. However, he emphasized that no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered in Karnataka yet due to insufficient concrete evidence.
"We are prepared to register an FIR only if there is substantial evidence, an eyewitness account, or if the victim directly approaches us. We cannot proceed based solely on hearsay," Ramarajan explained, noting that formal communication has been sent to the Nashik Rural police requesting specific details and supporting documentation.
Arrests and Ongoing Probe
According to police sources in Belagavi, the Maharashtra Police have already arrested five individuals in connection with the alleged heist: Jayesh Kadam, Vishal Naidu, Sunil Dhumal, Virat Gandhi, and Janardhan Dhaigude. Authorities suspect that more individuals may be involved in the crime. "They have not permitted us to question the arrested persons due to ongoing investigation priorities. We are awaiting their authorization to conduct our own interrogations," a police officer revealed.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara commented on Sunday that the investigation remains in a preliminary stage. "The government will issue a detailed statement only after receiving concrete and verified information from the investigating agencies," he stated, underscoring the cautious approach being adopted by state authorities.
Victim's Harrowing Account of Abduction and Threats
In his complaint, Sandeep Dutta Patil provided a chilling narrative of repeated harassment, abduction, and life-threatening intimidation following the reported heist. Patil described receiving a WhatsApp call around 12:30 AM on October 20, 2025, from a man identifying himself as Jayesh Kadam, who claimed to be a police officer. "During the 27-minute call, Kadam accused me of orchestrating the Rs 400 crore robbery at the Karnataka section of Chorla Ghat and threatened to take me from my home if I did not cooperate," Patil recounted.
Patil agreed to meet Kadam on October 22, during Diwali celebrations. He alleged that Kadam and three others abducted him, subjected him to physical assault and verbal abuse, and held a gun to his ear while threatening to kill him. After hours of interrogation, he was abandoned near Vadiwada, only to be picked up again later and taken to meet realtor Kishor Sawla.
"Sawla eventually realized that other individuals were behind the heist after receiving a call from the actual perpetrator," Patil claimed. Despite this, Kadam allegedly instructed Patil to maintain contact, suspecting that someone known to him was involved in the robbery.
Subsequent Developments and Intimidation Tactics
Over the next several weeks, Patil and Kadam remained in communication, leading them to conclude that Virat Gandhi, a manager employed by Sawla, was the mastermind behind the theft. When Patil expressed his intention to file a complaint against Gandhi in early December, Sawla reportedly urged him to wait, citing an ongoing Mumbai police search for Gandhi.
"When I voiced concerns about my damaged reputation, Sawla showed me photographs of himself with senior politicians and IPS officers, implying his influential connections. He even claimed to have international reach, mentioning the alleged framing of someone named Arijit in a Dubai case," Patil alleged. Fearing further repercussions, Patil delayed approaching the police until December 17, when he submitted a formal petition to the Nashik superintendent of police, leading to the registration of an FIR at Ghoti police station.
Conclusion and Future Steps
The investigation into the Chorla Ghat heist continues to evolve, with Karnataka's involvement signifying a unified effort across state boundaries. As authorities piece together evidence and testimonies, the case highlights the complexities of investigating high-stakes crimes involving demonetised currency and cross-jurisdictional challenges. The collaborative probe aims to uncover the truth behind the Rs 400 crore theft and address the serious allegations of abduction and threats that have emerged in its wake.
