Dacoits flee with Rs 12 crore gold in Karnataka, CM orders immediate action

Mangaluru: In a major heist, a gang of five armed robbers made away with gold worth over Rs 12 crore after threatening bank staff with guns, swords, and knives in Karnataka's Mangaluru district on Friday.

The incident occurred just a day after two robbers shot an ATM cash van employee and looted Rs 93 lakh in Bidar, intensifying concerns across the state. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held an emergency meeting with senior police officials, directing them to apprehend the culprits immediately.

According to police reports, the robbers stormed into the K C Road branch of the Koteker Ullal Cooperative Bank. Armed with guns, swords, and knives, they threatened employees and fled with gold worth over Rs 12 crore and Rs 5 lakh. The gang reportedly packed gold and cash in multiple bags before fleeing the scene.

Usha, a resident living opposite the bank, witnessed the robbery. She recounted, "I got scared. Four of them were dragging the bags, and one came running behind. All five dacoits were wearing masks and caps.

"There was no one around because it was Friday." Preliminary investigations point to possible insider involvement, as the bank's CCTV cameras were sent for repair on the same day, reported IANS.

The police noted that the robbery occurred during Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s visit to Mangaluru when officers were preoccupied with security arrangements. The bank is located in an area with a significant minority population, and many residents were away offering prayers. The robbers appear to have used this situation to their advantage.

Following the robbery, the Chief Minister convened a meeting with senior police officials, including West Range IGP Amit Singh, Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal, SP Yathish N, and DySP, urging them to expedite the investigation.

After reviewing the situation, the Chief Minister asked, "Why did this happen with all of you present? How did the culprits manage to escape so easily? How many tolls did they pass through? Why weren’t the tolls properly monitored?"

He expressed displeasure over the lack of security at the cooperative bank, which was staffed by just five or six employees. Police informed him that the suspects communicated in Kannada and Hindi.

The Chief Minister instructed officials, saying, "There should be tight checks at all toll gates. Set up roadblocks in the four districts and arrest the culprits as soon as possible, ensuring strict legal action against them." Special teams have been deployed, and a manhunt is underway to track down the gang.