In a crime that reads like a movie script, a gang of six meticulously planned and executed a daring heist, looting 17 kg of gold worth approximately ₹13 crore from the State Bank of India (SBI) in Karnataka’s Nyamati branch. The mastermind? A man denied a bank loan, who took inspiration from the popular Spanish crime drama ‘Money Heist’ and used modern technology to orchestrate the crime.
The Mastermind and His Motive
The heist was led by Vijaykumar (30), who reportedly applied for a ₹15 lakh loan at the same SBI branch in August 2024. When the bank rejected his application, he devised an elaborate plan for revenge and financial gain. Instead of giving up, Vijaykumar turned to crime, studying online heist tutorials and binge-watching crime dramas to craft his strategy.
Over the next several months, he put together a team of trusted accomplices, including his brother Ajaykumar, brother-in-law Paramananda, and three associates Abheesheka, Chandru, and Manjunath. Each member was assigned a specific role in the heist, ensuring precision and efficiency.
Months of Planning and Execution
The gang rehearsed their moves meticulously. They conducted multiple reconnaissance missions, assessing security measures and planning their escape routes. Their most notable preparation method included sneaking through deserted fields at night to observe police patrol patterns and check for potential risks.
On the night of the crime, they used silent hydraulic iron cutters and gas-cutting tools to break into the bank through a window. To avoid being caught on camera, they skillfully disabled the surveillance systems, ensuring that there would be no digital evidence of their presence.
509 Customers Affected, 17 kg Gold Stolen
The gang targeted gold loans, which many people take by pledging their jewelry as collateral. 509 customers had mortgaged their ornaments at the SBI Nyamati branch, and the gang looted 17 kg of gold from the vault.
This theft caused panic and distress among local residents, as for many, their gold was their life savings. The heist also raised serious questions about banking security and the vulnerability of financial institutions to well-planned burglaries.
A Multi-State Chase and Arrest
The investigation into the heist was one of the biggest manhunts undertaken by Karnataka police. Authorities tracked the criminals across multiple states, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. After weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering, the police successfully arrested all six gang members and recovered the stolen gold.
The arrest was a major relief for the affected customers and the bank, as gold worth ₹13 crore was returned to its rightful owners.
Lessons from the SBI Gold Heist
This dramatic heist highlights several important aspects:
- The influence of crime dramas: Criminals are increasingly drawing inspiration from movies and web series, using them as guides for real-life crimes.
- Security loopholes in banks: The ability of the gang to break in undetected and disable security systems indicates gaps in bank security measures.
- The need for financial awareness: If Vijaykumar had access to better financial literacy and alternative loan options, he might have chosen a legal route rather than resorting to crime.
Final Thoughts
The SBI Nyamati gold heist is one of the most daring bank robberies in recent history. It involved careful planning, modern technology, and the inspiration of a popular web series. While the stolen gold was recovered, the case serves as a stark reminder of the risks banks face and the importance of stricter security protocols.
As the investigation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how financial institutions improve their security to prevent future heists of this scale. For now, the residents of Nyamati can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that justice has been served and their valuable assets are safe again.
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