Armed robbers tied staff of SBI Chadchan branch in Vijayapura in Karnataka, locked them in toilets, and fled in a van with fake plates before abandoning it near the border.
BY PC Bureau
In a daring, movie-style robbery, a gang disguised in army fatigues stormed the State Bank of India’s Chadchan branch in Vijayapura on Tuesday evening, escaping with over ₹21 crore in cash and gold.
The gang of 3–5 masked men entered around 6:30 p.m., initially posing as customers. Armed with pistols and knives, they overpowered staff, tied them up, and locked them in a toilet before looting the vault. Warning shots were fired to intimidate staff and customers.
VIDEO | Vijayapura, Karnataka: A gang of masked men struck at State Bank of India branch looting cash and gold worth crores on Tuesday evening. Police have launched manhunt to nab the criminals.#Bankloot #KarnatakaNews
(Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/51eq1Jen6Y
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 17, 2025
The robbers fled in a white van with fake plates, later abandoned near the Karnataka–Maharashtra border. CCTV footage shows them loading sacks of cash and nearly 20 kg of gold ornaments. Police believe reconnaissance was done in advance.
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A multi-agency manhunt is underway with drones, canine squads, and state border checks. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah condemned the “cowardly act” and promised swift arrests. SBI assured compensation for affected customers.
The heist is the second major bank robbery in Vijayapura in four months, raising fears of an organized syndicate targeting rural branches. Locals, many of whom rely on gold loans, are shaken. “We trusted this bank with our life’s savings. How can we feel safe now?” a farmer said.
Locals expressed fear and outrage, with many pointing to the alarming rise of organised crime in North Karnataka. Banking unions, meanwhile, have demanded stronger security protocols, including armed guards and tighter surveillance measures, to prevent such high-stakes heists.
