Canara Bank Heist in Karnataka: Three Including Bank Manager Arrested
26 Jun 2025 9:57 PM IST26 Jun 2025 9:57 PM IST
The burglary, which sent shockwaves across the region, took place between the evening of May 23 and the morning of May 25.
Police officials addressing the media (Photo by arrangement)
Vijayapura: In a major breakthrough in one of Karnataka’s biggest bank heists, police have arrested three men—including a senior Canara Bank manager—for their involvement in the Rs 53.31 crore burglary at the bank’s Managuli branch in Vijayapura district.
The burglary, which sent shockwaves across the region, took place between the evening of May 23 and the morning of May 25.
According to the complaint the burglars made away with approximately 58.97 kilograms (58,976.94 grams) of gold ornaments worth Rs 53.26 crore and Rs 5,20,450 in cash, making the total estimated value of the theft Rs 53.31 crore. To avoid identification, the accused also took away the bank’s CCTV NVR.
A case was registered on May 26 at the Managuli police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Considering the seriousness of the case, Vijayapura SP Laxman Nimbargi formed eight special teams under the supervision of senior officers. In what marks the first big success in the case, police arrested three suspects, recovered two cars, and seized 10.5 kg of gold ornaments and melted gold bars valued at Rs 10.75 crore.
Addressing the media, SP Nimbargi said the arrested include Vijaykumar Miriyal (41), senior manager, who had earlier served at Managuli branch and was recently transferred to Kolar, Chandrashekhar Nerella (38), a private sector employee, and Sunil Moka (40), a driver and Chandrashekhar’s close associate.
Chandrashekhar, a dismissed bank employee previously terminated for misappropriation, is known for gambling in casinos, including those in Colombo. Sunil, his close associate, worked like a personal assistant.
“Several others are still involved. The stolen gold has been distributed among the accused. We are actively working on tracking the remaining suspects and working to recover the rest of the gold,” Nimbargi said.
As the SP recounted the events, it sounded like a crime thriller unfolding scene by scene—complete duplicate keys, decoy works, and a movie-inspired heist plan.
The plot had its genesis as early as February. The accused conducted reconnaissance trips to Managuli, mapping CCTV locations, studying escape routes, and testing access with duplicate keys—allegedly provided by Vijaykumar while still posted at the branch.
“Vijaykumar was the branch manager until May 9. He was transferred and the new setup took over. Though the planning began while he was still at Managuli, the accused waited to execute the heist after the transfer to avoid suspicion falling on him,” Nimbargi revealed.
Interestingly, the original date chosen for the crime was May 23. The accused hoped the sound of firecrackers during an IPL match involving RCB—or possibly the cover of heavy rains—would mask their activities. But RCB lost, and the skies stayed clear. The plan was postponed by a day- May 24.
On the day of the crime, they diverted CCTV cameras, cut the connection to a high-mast light, and moved stealthily. The group had even transported two-wheelers inside a truck to avoid detection.
Police say the gang left no detail to chance.
To mislead investigators, the group placed a black magic doll at the scene—a tactic allegedly inspired by robbery cases in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. “They wanted to make it appear as though the crime had links to robbers from those regions, and divert the direction of investigation,” Nimbargi said.
But interestingly the meticulous planning met its match in meticulous policing. Using scientific and forensic tools, the investigation teams cracked the case.
“This is just Managuli Part-1. Part-2 is yet to come,” Nimbargi remarked, hinting at more arrests and recoveries ahead. “We will reveal the other details once the remaining accused are in custody.”
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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