Belagavi Police Team Dispatched to Nashik in High-Value Demonetised Currency Loot Investigation
In a significant development, the Belagavi police have deputed a team of officers, including a sub-inspector, to Nashik, Maharashtra. This move aims to gather detailed information related to the alleged Rs 400 crore loot at Chorla Ghat in Belagavi district, a case that has garnered considerable media attention.
Background and Complaint Details
The investigation stems from a complaint filed by Sandeep Patil, a real estate agent, at a Nashik police station on January 1. According to the complaint, around Rs 400 crore in demonetised currency notes was allegedly transported from Goa to an ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, through Karnataka in two containers. The complainant claimed that these containers were intercepted at Chorla Ghat, where the cash was looted. Additionally, he alleged that he was abducted and assaulted on suspicion of knowing about the operation.
On January 6, the Nashik police formally wrote to the Belagavi police seeking cooperation in the investigation into this alleged looting, purportedly carried out on October 22, 2025. Based on the complaint, the Maharashtra police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has already arrested four people in connection with the alleged abduction.
Police Statements and Current Status
Addressing a press conference in Belagavi on Sunday, Superintendent of Police K Ramarajan provided key insights into the case. He confirmed that the Belagavi police team met the complainant in Nashik and collected preliminary information. However, he noted that the Maharashtra police have not yet permitted the Belagavi team to question the four accused individuals.
SP Ramarajan emphasized that the alleged Rs 400 crore heist is currently based solely on the complainant's statement. He stated, "Neither the complainant nor any other person claims to have witnessed the incident. So far, there is no identified victim, and no independent evidence to establish the movement of such containers through multiple police stations and checkposts." He added that the authenticity of the complainant's claims requires thorough verification.
Furthermore, SP Ramarajan clarified that no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered by the Belagavi police so far. He explained, "To initiate a formal investigation, registration of an FIR is mandatory. The location where the incident is claimed to have occurred lies at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra. Given the media attention and the request from the Nashik police, we are verifying the facts. As of now, no credible information was received from the Maharashtra police."
Key Points and Implications
- The case involves an alleged loot of Rs 400 crore in demonetised currency notes at Chorla Ghat.
- The Belagavi police team's visit to Nashik is part of a cooperative effort with Maharashtra authorities.
- No FIR has been filed yet, and the investigation remains in a preliminary verification stage.
- The lack of witnesses and independent evidence raises questions about the veracity of the claims.
- The tri-junction location adds complexity to jurisdictional aspects of the case.
This ongoing probe highlights the challenges in investigating high-value financial crimes, especially when they span multiple states and involve unverified allegations. The Belagavi police continue to work closely with their counterparts in Maharashtra to uncover the truth behind this sensational claim.
