Daijiworld Media Network – Belagavi
Mudalagi (Belagavi district), Nov 8: A sensational robbery conspiracy allegedly masterminded by a police constable serving as the gunman of former minister and BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi has come to light in Belagavi district. '
The accused, Chidananda Siddharoodh Kurabett, allegedly plotted to loot Rs 2.68 crore after luring people with promises of multiplying their money. In a dramatic, cinema-style operation, the gang planned to storm a farm shed, throw chilli powder into the victims' eyes, grab the cash and flee.
However, the audacious plan backfired when the intended victims overpowered the attackers and handed them over to the police. Seven people, including Jarkiholi's gunman, have been arrested.
The startling revelation has triggered considerable commotion across Belagavi district. Following the disclosure of his alleged involvement, Belagavi Superintendent of Police K Ramarajan immediately suspended Chidananda from service.
Lured with promise of multiplying money
The prime accused, Chidananda Siddharoodh Kurabett, allegedly devised an attractive money-doubling scheme to lure unsuspecting people. He reportedly promised to transfer Rs 1.30 lakh online into their bank accounts for every Rs 1 lakh handed over in cash.
In other words, he offered Rs 1.30 crore in return for an investment of Rs 1 crore, holding out the prospect of a substantial profit to those willing to part with large sums.
Tempted by the promise of hefty returns, Kalmesha Rangapur and his relatives borrowed money from people known to them and pooled together a staggering Rs 2.68 crore.
Chilli powder attack planned to execute heist
The conspiracy allegedly took a dramatic turn on October 30, when Kalmesha and his associates were asked to assemble at a farm shed in Sanganakeri village of Mudalagi taluk on the pretext of counting the cash.
According to the police investigation, Chidananda had allegedly drawn up a pre-planned strategy to rob Kalmesha's group of the entire Rs 2.68 crore. As part of the operation, he allegedly sent a gang of accomplices to storm the farm shed, throw chilli powder into the victims' eyes, snatch the money and escape.
But the carefully laid plan unravelled when the attackers walked into an unexpected confrontation. Kalmesha's group, which was reportedly already alert to the possibility of an attack, resisted the gang when its members stormed the shed. The alleged robbers were overpowered, beaten up and handed over to the police.
It was during the subsequent investigation that the police uncovered the alleged role of Chidananda, who had served as Ramesh Jarkiholi's gunman, in masterminding the entire robbery conspiracy.
Seven arrested, Rs 2.39 crore seized
The police have arrested seven people in connection with the case. Those named among the arrested include Chidananda Kurabett, Sanjeev Arabhavi and Rajaram Malyagol.
The police have recovered cash amounting to Rs 2.39 crore from the accused. The recovery follows the alleged attempt to loot the Rs 2.68 crore collected by Kalmesha and his associates.
Belagavi Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan has also placed Chidanand under immediate suspension from service following the revelation of his alleged involvement in the crime.
Amid the sensational revelations, the district police have clarified that the incident was an alleged personal criminal act by Chidanand, the police constable who had been serving as Ramesh Jarkiholi's security guard.
The superintendent of police has categorically stated that former minister and MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi has no connection whatsoever with the robbery attempt or the conspiracy.
The alleged crime was the personal criminal act of the police constable and his associates, and the MLA had no involvement in it, the police have clarified.