Belagavi: A sensational claim of ₹400 crore in demonetised currency being looted from two container trucks in Chorla Ghat has collapsed after a detailed investigation found the complaint to be false.
For more details : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/probe-punches-holes-400cr-belagavi-loot-case-falls-flat/articleshow/128395457.cms
Nearly four months ago, Nashik-based real estate agent Sandeep Patil alleged that the cash was looted in a multi-state operation along the Maharashtra–Karnataka border. In his complaint filed on January 1, 2026, Patil claimed the incident occurred on October 22, 2025, in Belagavi district. He further alleged that the money was being transported from Goa to an ashram in Ahmedabad via Karnataka when the containers were intercepted and looted. He also claimed he was kidnapped and assaulted on suspicion of knowing about the operation.
Following the complaint, a Maharashtra Special Investigation Team (SIT) launched a month-long probe. Nashik police also sought cooperation from Belagavi police to verify the alleged incident.
However, technical investigations uncovered major inconsistencies in Patil’s version, including discrepancies in the claimed location, travel route, call detail records, timing, and movement schedule. External agencies informed investigators that no such robbery had taken place during the period under review.
On Saturday, the Igatpuri court in Maharashtra’s Nashik district acquitted all seven arrested accused — Kishore Sawala, Virat Gandhi, Jayesh Kadam, Vishal Naidu, Sunil Dhumal, Machhindra Madhavi and Janardhan Dhaygude — citing lack of concrete evidence. The court observed that the prosecution failed to substantiate the allegations despite examining digital records and the sequence of events.
With the case now falling flat, attention has turned to possible legal action against Patil for filing what authorities believe was a false complaint that kept the police machinery engaged for nearly a month.
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