Political Storm Erupts Over Alleged Rs 400 Crore Demonetised Notes Robbery Near Karnataka Border
A major political controversy has erupted in Karnataka as the ruling Congress and principal opposition BJP engaged in a heated exchange on Monday over the alleged robbery of Rs 400 crore in demonetised Rs 2,000 currency notes near the Karnataka-Maharashtra border. The incident, which reportedly occurred in October last year, has surfaced only recently, triggering a fierce political battle between the two parties.
Details of the Alleged Robbery Emerge
The alleged robbery took place near Chorla Ghat on October 22 last year, but came to light only a few days ago when one Sandeep Datta Patil approached Nashik police to file a formal complaint. In his detailed complaint, Patil claimed that the substantial cash was being transported in two trucks when a gang of six individuals hijacked the vehicles and fled with the entire amount.
Maharashtra police have already taken action by arresting six suspects and forming a special investigation team (SIT) to thoroughly verify all claims related to this high-value robbery case. However, K Ramarajan, Belagavi superintendent of police, clarified that no First Information Report (FIR) was registered in Karnataka as there was no formal complaint or concrete evidence of a crime occurring within the state's jurisdiction.
Congress Minister Raises Pointed Questions
IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge, who is also the son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, directly linked the alleged movement of cash to BJP-governed states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa. "We don't know whose money it is. Let an investigation determine whether it belongs to Congress, BJP, NCP or Shiv Sena," stated Priyank, who additionally holds the rural development and panchayat raj portfolio.
The minister raised several critical questions about the incident, particularly focusing on how such a large quantity of demonetised notes was still being moved around almost three years after the notes were formally withdrawn from circulation. He also questioned claims by BJP functionaries that the cash was being taken to Tirupati for conversion, asking how they had access to information that even the government did not possess.
BJP Leader Counters with Serious Allegations
Countering the Congress minister's statements, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, opposition leader in the legislative council, made serious allegations against the ruling party. He accused Congress of using Karnataka as a funding base for elections in other states, suggesting a pattern of financial irregularities.
Narayanaswamy further alleged delays in the disbursal of funds under the Gruha Lakshmi guarantee scheme for the months of February and March 2025, attempting to shift focus to what he described as governance failures by the current administration.
Broader Implications and Investigation Status
The political sparring over this alleged high-value robbery has brought several important issues to the forefront:
- The continued circulation of demonetised currency notes years after their official withdrawal
- Questions about inter-state financial movements and their political connections
- Transparency in investigation processes across state borders
- Political accusations regarding election funding mechanisms
As Maharashtra police continue their investigation through the specially formed SIT, political observers note that this controversy is likely to escalate further, with both parties preparing to use it as ammunition in their ongoing political battles. The case has highlighted not just a potential criminal incident but also deep-seated political tensions between the ruling and opposition parties in Karnataka.
