Major Police Operation in Vijayapura District Nets 36 Accused in Property Crimes
In a significant crackdown on organized property crime, the Vijayapura District Police have successfully solved 22 separate theft cases, leading to the arrest of 36 accused individuals. The operation, which spanned multiple jurisdictions within the Basavana Bagewadi subdivision, resulted in the recovery of stolen property valued at approximately Rs 1.2 crore.
Swift Action by Special Investigation Teams
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Superintendent of Police Laxman Nimbargi detailed the coordinated police effort. "Special investigation teams were formed to address cases registered during the 2025-26 period across Muddebihal, Nidagundi, Talikoti, Basavana Bagewadi, and Kudagi police stations," Nimbargi explained. "These dedicated teams worked swiftly and efficiently, apprehending the accused and recovering substantial stolen assets."
The recovered items include gold and silver ornaments worth Rs 1.2 crore, two cars, and seventeen motorcycles. The cases involved various criminal activities including burglaries at farmhouses, temples, and residential properties, gold chain snatching incidents, fraud-related thefts, and thefts of motorcycles and agricultural equipment like borewell pump sets from farmers' fields.
Notable Cases and Major Recoveries
Among the significant breakthroughs was the arrest of three individuals—Gururaj (alias Doddaguru), Gurukumar (alias Kiran Kumar, alias Sannaguru), and Syed Aslam (alias Minnu)—in connection with a farmhouse burglary that occurred on January 21. Police seized gold, silver, cash, and an Innova car with a combined value of Rs 51.3 lakh from these accused.
In another major case registered at Muddebihal police station, accused Basavaraj was arrested for a theft in Kavadimatti on July 14, 2025, with recovery of gold, silver, and cash totaling Rs 7.5 lakh. Additionally, four juvenile offenders were identified in a theft case spanning June 27 to July 10, 2025, leading to recovery of gold and cash worth Rs 12.7 lakh.
Additional Arrests Across Police Stations
The police operation yielded results across multiple jurisdictions:
- At Nidagundi police station, accused Ramesh was arrested in a robbery case registered on August 22, with recovery of a gold chain valued at Rs 1.9 lakh.
- Talikoti police station saw the arrest of accused Prakash in a motorcycle theft case from July 1, 2023, resulting in recovery of five stolen bikes.
- Kudagi police station arrested accused Abdul and Heera for thefts occurring between September 18-23, 2025, recovering gold ornaments worth Rs 4.5 lakh and two motorcycles used in the crimes.
- Nidagundi police station also made arrests in a Vandala village theft case, apprehending Somnath and Prakash and recovering gold ornaments and a motorcycle.
SP Nimbargi emphasized that this comprehensive operation demonstrates the police department's commitment to tackling property crimes that affect both urban and rural communities. The recovered assets will be returned to their rightful owners following proper verification procedures, providing some relief to victims who suffered significant losses.
