400-Crore Belagavi Loot Case Collapses After Investigation

A claim of Rs 400 crore being looted in Belagavi has been dismissed after technical investigations exposed inconsistencies. All seven accused were acquitted, and the complainant may face legal action

Belagavi |February 16, 2026: A sensational claim by a Maharashtra real estate agent that Rs 400 crore in demonetised currency was stolen from two container trucks in Chorla Ghat during a multi-state operation has fallen apart after investigators found major discrepancies. Nashik resident Sandeep Patil had filed the complaint, but after the Maharashtra Igatpuri court examined evidence, it was deemed false, leading to the acquittal of all seven arrested suspects.

Investigations revealed inconsistencies in the alleged location, travel route, call records, timings, and schedules. External agencies informed authorities that no robbery occurred during the period under review. Patil had approached Nashik police on January 1, 2026, alleging kidnapping, assault, and threats to his life. He claimed that the Rs 400 crore was being transported from Goa to an ashram in Ahmedabad via Karnataka in two containers, which were intercepted at Chorla Ghat, and that he was abducted and assaulted under suspicion of having knowledge about the operation.

The Maharashtra Special Investigation Team conducted a month-long probe with assistance from Belagavi police to gather information regarding the alleged incident. After reviewing the evidence, the court acquitted Kishore Sawala, Virat Gandhi, Jayesh Kadam, Vishal Naidu, Sunil Dhumal, Machhindra Madhavi, and Janardhan Dhaygude due to lack of concrete proof. Authorities now indicate that legal proceedings against Patil are likely, as his false complaint kept police resources engaged for nearly a month, highlighting the dangers of fabricated claims in high-profile investigations.

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