Belagavi Police Clarify Status of Alleged Chorla Ghat Cash Robbery
Belagavi police clarified developments in the alleged Chorla Ghat robbery involving huge cash, stating Maharashtra police are probing the case while Karnataka authorities remain alert due to interstate jurisdiction complexities.
Karnataka: Belagavi police have addressed media reports surrounding an alleged high value cash robbery at Chorla Ghat, a sensitive stretch connecting Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa. The case has drawn attention due to claims that containers carrying a massive sum of money were hijacked.
Speaking at a press briefing, Belagavi Superintendent of Police K Ramraj said the primary investigation is being handled by Maharashtra police. He clarified that Karnataka police are extending full cooperation, given the interstate nature of the ghat road where the incident is believed to have occurred.
The SP revealed that on January 6, a letter was received from the Nashik Superintendent of Police indicating a possible robbery at Chorla Ghat involving around Rs 400 crore. Following this communication, a team led by the Khanapur sub inspector was sent to gather preliminary inputs.
According to police officials, the exact location of the alleged robbery has not yet been confirmed. Chorla Ghat falls under the jurisdiction of three states, making it essential to verify facts before registering a formal case. Authorities said they are open to acting if a complaint is officially filed in Karnataka.
The case surfaced after a Nashik resident, Sandeep Dutta Patil, filed a complaint alleging that he was abducted and assaulted by a group who accused him of involvement in the robbery. The abductors reportedly demanded the return of the stolen money, claiming the robbery had taken place earlier in October.
Belagavi police stated that no eyewitnesses or direct evidence related to the alleged robbery have been identified so far. The sub inspector deputed to Nashik interacted with Sandeep Patil to understand the background of the allegations, which brought the matter to wider notice.
Police also confirmed that Karnataka officers have not yet been allowed to question the arrested abductors. The SP explained that if the crime was planned in Maharashtra and executed within Karnataka limits, legal options remain open for either state to register the case and proceed.
Belagavi police have said they are prepared to take up the investigation if concrete information such as victim details, eyewitness accounts, or container identification becomes available. Until then, authorities will continue coordination with Maharashtra police to track developments in the case.
