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India Today
29-06-2025
- India Today
Gang behind Rs 53-crore Karnataka bank robbery studied heist films; 3 arrested
Police have arrested three key suspects, including a bank manager, in connection with last month's audacious Rs 53.26 crore robbery at a Canara Bank branch in Karnataka's Vijayapura. Investigators revealed Friday that the daring heist, which saw thieves make off with nearly 59 kilograms of gold and Rs 5.3 lakh in cash, was orchestrated with a precision seemingly lifted from crime thrillers, as the culprits reportedly studied heist films for their to police, Vijaykumar Miriyal, the former manager of the Canara Bank branch in Managuli village, was the mastermind of the robbery. He was arrested along with Chandrashekhar Nerella, a former bank employee turned contractor and casino operator, and Sunil Moka, who served as Miriyal's incident unfolded between May 23 and 25, when thieves cut power lines, CCTV cables, and a window grille to gain entry to the bank. Remarkably, they avoided damaging the main locker or using heavy tools. Instead, they employed a duplicate key, which police say Miriyal had secretly made during his tenure as manager at the branch. Police investigation revealed that Miriyal meticulously planned the robbery for months, with detailed discussions reportedly beginning as early as February. The accused visited Managuli village multiple times for reconnaissance. The duplicate locker keys were created in January and repeatedly tested for to police, the trio studied Hollywood and Bollywood heist films on Netflix to learn how to dress, wear masks, and use helmets to avoid detection. This cinematic influence extended to their diversionary tactics; the gang sprinkled chilli powder at the crime scene to mislead sniffer dogs and left black magic items in a bid to confuse timing of the robbery was also strategic. The accused waited until Miriyal's transfer from the Managuli branch on May 9, aiming to shift suspicion onto new staff. The initial plan to execute the robbery on May 23 was even postponed due to an IPL the eve of the heist, village CCTV cameras were disabled and high-mast lighting wires cut to ensure darkness. A truck was arranged for transportation, and motorbikes were used for discreet Superintendent of Police Laxman Nimbargi, who led an eight-team investigation, said police have so far recovered 11 kilograms of gold valued at Rs 10.75 crore and seized two cars used in the crime. Several other suspects remain at large, and a manhunt is underway to recover the remaining stolen property.- Ends
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Time of India
Bank manager, 2 others held for Rs 53cr robbery
Pic: Vijayapura SP Lakshman Nimbargi and others having a look at the gold stolen from Canara Bank's Managuli branch. Vijayapura: A bank manager and his two accomplices were arrested in connection with the theft of gold and cash valued at Rs 53.3 crore from Canara Bank's Managuli branch on May 25. Vijayapura SP Lakshman Nimbaragi said here on Thursday that 58.9kg of gold valued at Rs 53.26 crore and cash to the tune of Rs 5.2 lakh was stolen from the locker of the bank in Basavanabagewadi taluk of Vijayapura district. Police suspected the involvement of insiders and eight teams of police personnel were formed to nab the culprits. Police arrested Vijayakumar Miriyal, former manager of Managuli branch, Chandrashekhar Nerella of Hubballi and Sunil Moka, and recovered two cars and 10.5kg of gold valued at Rs 10.75 crore that was being transported in the car. How they planned Nimbargi said: "Nerella, who was dismissed from Syndicate Bank, is into real estate business in Hubballi. He plays in casinos in Goa and Sri Lanka. Moka is his associate." Miriyal along with his friend Nerella and Moka hatched the plan in February this year to loot the bank. They were waiting for Miriyal to be transferred from Managuli branch so that the allegations will come on the new incumbent manager. Miriyal was transferred to Ronihal branch in Vijayapura district on May 9 and the crime was committed on the intervening night of May 24 and 25, Nimbargi said. He said Miriyal had handed over the keys of the bank's safe deposit lockers to his two associates and they had got duplicate keys made. The trio had recced the roads and CCTV cameras, and ensured that lights and cameras were dysfunctional on the night of May 24. The trio had kept black magic materials near the branch to give an impression that people from Kerala and Tamil Nadu were involved. SP Nimbaragi said the probe carried out so far is 'Managuli Part I' and 'Managuli II' is awaited. "We have continued our probe to recover remaining stolen gold and cash and nab the others involved in this crime," he said.
