Heist at Dharmasthala’s Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) office in Sattur, Hubballi-Dharwad police nab 10, Recover Rs 79 L cash, vehicles

Dharwad: The Vidyagiri police have successfully solved a theft case that occurred at the Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) office on the day of Vijaya Dashami. They have apprehended ten accused and recovered a total of Rs 79,89,870 in cash, a Swift Dzire car, two motorcycles, and four mobile phones that were linked to the crime, according to Police Commissioner Renuka Sukumar.

Speaking at a press conference in Dharwad on Wednesday, Commissioner Renuka Sukumar explained that on the day of Vijaya Dashami, when the entire twin cities were immersed in celebrating the festival, a group of miscreants managed to steal a substantial sum of money that had been kept in the SKDRDP office’s locker in Sattur.

The Vidyagiri police team, under the leadership of NS Kadadevarmath, apprehended ten accused and recovered Rs 79,89,870 in cash. Efforts to apprehend the remaining accused and recover the remaining stolen funds are ongoing.

Of the ten arrested individuals, three had been employed at the SKDRDP office. The commissioner identified the arrested accused as follows: Kushalkumar Krishna Savanur, 23, resident of Hubballi who worked as a manager at the SKDRDP; Basavaraj Shekappa Babji, 34; Mahantesh Laxman Hiragannavar, 27; Jeelani Bhavarsab Jamadar, 25; Parshuram Hanumantappa Nilappagoudar, 34; Rangappa Nagappa Gudarad, 31; Manjunath Yamunappa Bhovi, 22; Kiran Sharanappa Kumar; Razaqahmed Allauddin Mullanavar, 31; and Veeresh Siddappa Chavadi, 20. All of them are residents of Navalgund, except for manager Kushalkumar.

The Commissioner further explained that the funds collected by SKDRDP were typically deposited in the bank every day. However, on Vijaya Dashami, the banks were closed for the holiday, leading to the decision to store the collected amount in a locker within the office. The accused forcibly opened the locker and absconded with the money.

Commissioner Renuka Sukumar noted that the investigation is still ongoing, with efforts directed towards recovering the remaining stolen funds and identifying any additional individuals who may have been involved in the case. The police are examining all possible angles in their investigation.