Maharashtra Real Estate Agent's Rs 400 Crore Loot Claim Debunked by Court After Investigation
In a significant development, a sensational claim made by a Maharashtra real estate agent regarding the looting of Rs 400 crore in demonetised currency from two container trucks in the Chorla Ghat area of Belagavi district has been thoroughly debunked. After nearly four months of intense scrutiny, technical investigations have exposed major discrepancies in the agent's version, leading to the case falling flat and the subsequent acquittal of all seven arrested suspects by the court.
False Complaint Leads to Court Acquittal
Following the submission of evidence before the Igatpuri court in Maharashtra's Nashik on Saturday, the complaint filed by Nashik resident Sandeep Patil was conclusively found to be false. This revelation resulted in the acquittal of all seven individuals who had been arrested in connection with the alleged multi-state operation. The court's decision was based on a comprehensive examination of the sequence of events and digital evidence, coupled with the prosecution's failure to establish the allegations against the accused.
The acquitted suspects include Kishore Sawala, Virat Gandhi, Jayesh Kadam, Vishal Naidu, Sunil Dhumal, Machhindra Madhavi, and Janardhan Dhaygude. Their release marks the end of a legal ordeal that began with Patil's dramatic claims, which have now been discredited by thorough police and external agency investigations.
Investigation Uncovers Major Inconsistencies
Police probes into the alleged incident revealed numerous inconsistencies that undermined Patil's account. Key areas of discrepancy included:
- Location and Travel Route: The alleged robbery site in Chorla Ghat, along the Maharashtra–Karnataka border, did not align with the described travel path from Goa to Ahmedabad via Karnataka.
- Call Detail Records and Timing: Digital evidence failed to corroborate the timing and schedule of the supposed looting event on October 22, 2025.
- External Agency Confirmation: External agencies informed the police that no such robbery occurred during the period under review, further discrediting the claim.
According to police sources, Patil initially complained to Nashik police on January 1, 2026, alleging kidnapping, assault, and threats to his life. In his complaint, he asserted that the looting incident involved Rs 400 crore being transported from Goa to an ashram in Ahmedabad in two containers, which were intercepted at Chorla Ghat. Patil further claimed he was abducted and assaulted due to suspicions that he knew about the alleged operation.
Multi-State Probe and Legal Fallout
The Maharashtra Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducted a probe for nearly a month, with Nashik police seeking cooperation from Belagavi police to collect detailed information about the alleged incident. This collaborative effort ultimately exposed the falsity of the claims, saving valuable police resources from being wasted on a fabricated case.
Now, attention has shifted to the likelihood of legal action against Sandeep Patil for filing a complaint that kept the police machinery engaged for nearly a month. This potential move underscores the serious consequences of making false allegations, especially in high-stakes cases involving significant financial claims and cross-border implications.
The debunking of this Rs 400 crore loot claim serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous investigation and evidence-based legal proceedings in maintaining public trust and judicial integrity.
