Prime Accused in Rs 400 Crore Demonetised Currency Robbery Surrenders to Maharashtra Police
In a significant development in the sensational Chorla Ghat robbery case, Kishor Savla, the prime accused and alleged mastermind behind the theft of containers reportedly carrying Rs 400 crore in demonetised currency notes, voluntarily surrendered before the Nashik Rural police in Maharashtra on Saturday evening. This dramatic turn of events is expected to provide crucial momentum to the investigation, potentially helping authorities unravel the entire criminal network behind this high-profile heist.
The Chorla Ghat Robbery: Timeline and Details
The audacious robbery allegedly occurred on the night of October 22 at Chorla Ghat in Khanapur taluk of Belagavi district. The crime came to light following the kidnapping of Sandeep Patil on the Ghoti–Nashik Road. Patil later lodged a formal complaint in the third week of December, providing investigators with detailed information including potentially incriminating phone recordings that shed light on the robbery's planning and execution.
In his complaint, Patil specifically identified Gujarat-based builder Kishor Savla as a central figure, stating unequivocally that the entire stolen money belonged to him. This revelation prompted the Maharashtra police to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) dedicated to locating and apprehending Savla, who had remained elusive despite extensive search efforts by multiple police teams.
Investigation Progress and Inter-State Coordination Challenges
The Maharashtra police have made substantial progress in the case, having arrested four suspects who remain in custody as the investigation continues. However, coordination between Maharashtra and Karnataka police forces has faced significant hurdles. On January 6, Nashik police formally requested cooperation from their Belagavi counterparts through an official letter, prompting Belagavi SP K Ramarajan to dispatch a team to Nashik to gather case-related information.
Despite this inter-state communication, Belagavi police report that Maharashtra authorities have not yet shared detailed case information with them. Furthermore, Karnataka police have not been permitted to question the arrested suspects, creating investigative barriers. The recent surrender of Kishor Savla adds another layer of complexity, requiring Karnataka police to examine this new development while working with limited access to evidence and suspects.
Evidentiary Challenges and Investigation Status
Belagavi SP K Ramarajan has highlighted significant challenges facing the investigation, stating categorically that there is currently a dearth of evidence to initiate a comprehensive probe, particularly before an official complaint has been formally lodged in Karnataka. This evidentiary gap complicates efforts to build a strong case and coordinate effectively with Maharashtra authorities who are leading the primary investigation.
The voluntary surrender of Kishor Savla represents a potential breakthrough that could provide investigators with critical information about the robbery's planning, execution, and the whereabouts of the stolen demonetised currency. As the investigation progresses, authorities will need to navigate complex jurisdictional issues while pursuing all leads to bring those responsible to justice and recover the substantial stolen funds.
