Archive · 27 Jan 2026
Karnataka-Maharashtra Police Investigate Alleged Rs 400 Crore Heist
There's a big story about a lot of money, Rs 400 crore, that someone says was stolen in old Rs 2,000 notes at a place called Chorla Ghat, which is where Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa meet.
The police in Maharashtra have arrested six people for kidnapping a man named Sandeep Datta Patil, who they say knows about the stolen money.
But the police in Karnataka, where the robbery supposedly happened, haven't found any proof yet.
They say they need real evidence, not just stories, to start an investigation.
The Karnataka Home Minister is also asking for more details.
The ruling Congress and the opposition BJP in Karnataka are arguing about who is responsible and what the money is for.
The Congress is questioning the role of BJP-ruled states, while the BJP is accusing the Congress of misusing funds.
Belagavi Police await concrete evidence on the alleged Rs 400 crore robbery at Chorla Ghat.
Nashik Police have arrested six people in connection with the kidnapping and assault of Sandeep Datta Patil.
The alleged stolen money is said to be in old Rs 2,000 denomination notes.
Belagavi Police have sent an officer to Nashik to gather information and coordinate with Maharashtra Police.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has sought more details on the incident.
- Who
- Belagavi Superintendent of Police K Ramarajan, Nashik Police, Sandeep Datta Patil, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, BJP Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy
- What
- Alleged robbery of Rs 400 crore in demonetised Rs 2,000 notes, kidnapping and assault of Sandeep Datta Patil
- When
- Alleged robbery on October 22, 2023; kidnapping on October 22, 2023; communication to Belagavi Police on January 16, 2024
- Where
- Chorla Ghat in Belagavi district, Karnataka; Nashik, Maharashtra
- Why
- To investigate the alleged robbery and kidnapping, and political debate over the role of BJP-ruled states and the legality of the cash
Congress
BJP
Role of BJP-ruled states
Congress
Congress questions the role of BJP-ruled states in the alleged heist, suggesting that the activity happened under their nose.
BJP
BJP accuses Congress of using Karnataka as a funding source and misappropriating public funds.
Legality of the cash
Congress
Congress questions the legality of the Rs 2,000 notes and suggests tax evasion or fake currency.
BJP
BJP does not directly address the legality of the cash but focuses on Congress's alleged misuse of funds.
- Amount Allegedly Stolen
- Rs 400 crore
- Location of Alleged Robbery
- Chorla Ghat, Karnataka-Maharashtra-Goa border
- Denomination of Alleged Money
- Old Rs 2,000 notes
- Number of Arrests in Maharashtra
- 6
- Date of Kidnapping
- October 22, 2023
- Date of Communication to Belagavi Police
- January 16, 2024
- Karnataka Home Minister
- G Parameshwara
- Belagavi Superintendent of Police
- K Ramarajan
Sources
Rs 400 cr ‘heist’: Will register FIR based on concrete evidence, not on ‘hearsay’: Belagavi SP
Congress, BJP spar over alleged Rs 400 crore ‘heist’
Rs 400 crore heist at Chorla Ghat, an abduction and threats: Karnataka Police join Maharashtra and Goa probe teams
‘Maha Police not cooperating’: K’taka Minister on Rs 400 crore robbery case
Congress, BJP Spar Over Alleged Robbery Of Rs 400 Crore In Demonetised Notes
‘No cooperation from Maharashtra in Chorla Ghat robbery probe’
