Why is Maha Police not cooperating in the Rs 400 crore robbery case?
Synopsis
The ongoing investigation into a staggering Rs 400 crore heist at Chorla Ghat has taken a troubling turn, with allegations of non-cooperation from Maharashtra Police. Karnataka Minister Satish Jarkiholi raises questions about jurisdiction and the mysterious origins of the money, as the case unfolds amidst political tensions.
Key Takeaways
The heist involved a massive sum of Rs 400 crore.
Confusion over jurisdiction complicates the investigation.
Allegations of non-cooperation between Maharashtra and Karnataka police.
Investigators are looking into the money's origins and intended destination.
Six arrests have been made in connection to the robbery.
Bengaluru, Jan 26 (NationPress) The enigma surrounding the heist and vanishing of Rs 400 crore along with two trucks at Chorla Ghat, situated on the border of Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra, persisted on Monday.
The situation escalated as Karnataka's Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi alleged that the Maharashtra police have been uncooperative with their Karnataka counterparts during the investigation.
The case surfaced on Sunday, with Karnataka Police asserting that the robbery occurred nearly three months prior, only becoming aware of it after receiving a letter from the Maharashtra Police requesting assistance in the inquiry.
The Maharashtra Police revealed that the stolen currency consisted of Rs 2,000 notes, which have been outlawed by the government.
A contingent of Karnataka officers has been dispatched to Nashik in Maharashtra, where the Nashik police are conducting the investigation. Official sources from Karnataka have expressed that they are not privy to any new developments in the case.
In a statement on Monday, Minister Satish Jarkiholi reiterated the lack of cooperation from the Maharashtra Police regarding the robbery. He mentioned, “If anyone steps forward to file a complaint, our police will look into it.”
Furthermore, the minister highlighted the ambiguity surrounding the jurisdiction of the incident's location, questioning whether it falls under Karnataka, Maharashtra, or Goa.
In response to allegations from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis that the money was linked to the Congress party, Jarkiholi humorously inquired about who counted the cash.
“There’s no clarity on the incident's location or its exact circumstances,” he added.
Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar, addressing the media in Udupi on Monday, expressed her shock at the news of the Rs 400 crore robbery and emphasized the need to investigate the source of the funds and their intended recipient.
Minister for RDPR, IT, and BT Priyank Kharge remarked, “It remains unclear who the Rs 400 crore belongs to or its purpose. There are claims linking it to Goa, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Regardless of ownership, a thorough investigation is warranted.”
“If rotis are being made in Kalaburagi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi knows about it. Why hasn’t he been informed about this money?” Priyank Kharge questioned.
He further asserted that the money must be illicit. “An investigation is essential. Those who have consumed salt must drink water,” he stated.
Sources indicate that the money belonged to a real estate tycoon based in Maharashtra. On October 16, 2025, trucks laden with the cash were reportedly hijacked at Chorla Ghat in Belagavi district, bordering Goa and Maharashtra.
Reports suggest that a WhatsApp call was made to the realtor post-robbery, with the caller, identifying as Sandeep Datta Patil, allegedly demanding Rs 100 crore for the return of the money containing old currency denominations. Subsequently, the realtor and others purportedly kidnapped Sandeep Patil and subjected him to torture for over a month. Patil eventually escaped and reported the incident to a police station in Nashik, Maharashtra.
Further sources revealed that during police interrogations, Sandeep Patil claimed he was abducted on October 22 in a Fortuner vehicle and assaulted. The kidnappers allegedly accused him of being involved in the Chorla Ghat Rs 400 crore heist. In a later video, Patil stated that the sum involved was Rs 1,000 crore and that it was being transported in tankers.
Additional claims suggested that the container trucks were carrying prohibited Rs 2,000 currency notes, intended for transport to Tirupati for exchange with new notes.
Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan from Belagavi confirmed that the Maharashtra Police had sent a letter requesting assistance in the investigation. Home Minister G. Parameshwara also acknowledged that Maharashtra police sought help from their Karnataka counterparts.
“The investigation is currently in its preliminary phases. They have merely shared information and requested cooperation. This is all we know at the moment,” he stated.
Meanwhile, sources have confirmed that Nashik police have apprehended six individuals in connection with the case.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach this story with impartiality. The allegations of non-cooperation between state police forces highlight the complexities of jurisdiction and inter-state relations in crime investigations. The ongoing inquiries raise critical questions about governance, accountability, and the need for a thorough investigation to uphold justice.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the amount involved in the robbery?
The robbery involves a staggering amount of Rs 400 crore.
Where did the robbery take place?
The robbery occurred at Chorla Ghat, which borders Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra.
Who is investigating the case?
The case is being investigated by the Karnataka and Nashik police.
Why is there confusion about jurisdiction?
The exact location of the incident is unclear, raising questions about which state's jurisdiction applies.
Have any suspects been arrested?
Yes, Nashik police have arrested six individuals in connection with the case.
