Kolhapur: Driver in Debt Robs Employer at Knifepoint, Arrested Within 12 Hours
A debt-ridden driver in Kolhapur robbed his employer of ₹50 lakh at knifepoint with an accomplice. Caught within 12 hours, the theft highlights rising financial distress among youth.
Kolhapur | June 14, 2025In a shocking incident from Kolhapur, a driver overwhelmed by debt teamed up with an accomplice to rob his employer, a well-known industrialist, at knifepoint. The duo looted valuables worth over ₹50 lakh and were arrested within 12 hours of the crime.
The robbery took place at the residence of businessman Rajiv Jaykumar Patil (60), located in Govind Sawant Housing Society, Samratnagar. On Thursday afternoon (June 12), while Patil and his family were away at work, two men wearing helmets entered the house between 3:00 and 3:30 pm. The culprits used a spare key hidden outside the house to gain entry and held Patil’s elderly in-laws at knifepoint. They stole two Godrej lockers containing 440 grams of gold ornaments and ₹75,000 in cash.
A case was registered at Rajarampuri Police Station, and a special team was immediately formed under the guidance of Superintendent of Police Yogesh Kumar and Police Inspector Ravindra Kalamkar. Police Sub-Inspector Shesh More led the investigation with assistance from the Local Crime Branch.
CCTV footage from the vicinity showed the suspects using a moped. Based on a tip-off that the accused would arrive at Laxmi Tekdi with the stolen items, police laid a trap and nabbed Prakash Dattatray Chougule and Amit Vishwanath Shinde. The authorities recovered lockers, bags, a knife, helmets, raincoats, a two-wheeler, and a four-wheeler from their possession.
Chougule, originally from Belgaum, had been working as a driver at Patil’s home. Plagued by financial troubles, he chose to target his employer in what turned out to be his first criminal act. His decision to involve his friend in the plan led to a failed escape and swift arrest.
The incident has caused unrest in the area, raising concerns about growing debt-related crimes and the trust placed in domestic help.
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