In a swift breakthrough, police in Vijayapura district have arrested two men accused of carrying out a daring daylight armed robbery at a jewellery shop in Halasangi village. The accused allegedly looted gold and silver ornaments worth nearly Rs 22 lakh while brandishing firearms and firing at bystanders during their escape. Within just 20 days of the incident, investigators traced and arrested the suspects, recovering the entire stolen property along with illegal weapons and the motorcycle used in the crime. The case highlights rising concerns over organised armed robberies across Indian states.
What Happened in Halasangi Village?
The incident took place on January 26 at around 3:30 PM at Bhoomika Jewellery, located under the jurisdiction of Zalaki police station in Vijayapura district, Karnataka.
According to police officials, two men arrived at the shop on a black Honda Unicorn motorcycle. Their faces were covered with black cloth and helmets, indicating premeditated intent. Brandishing a country-made pistol, they threatened shop owner Maharudra Kanchagar and looted:
- 205 grams of gold ornaments
- 1 kilogram of silver ornaments
The total value of the stolen items was estimated at approximately Rs 22 lakh.
During their escape, the accused allegedly fired shots at people standing outside the shop, injuring some individuals before fleeing the scene.
Based on the complaint filed by the shop owner, police registered a case under Section 311 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act.
Accused Identified and Arrested
The arrested accused have been identified as:
- Hanamant Waghole (28), a dairy businessman
- Shivaraj alias Gaudappa Navi (28), a driver
Both belong to Sankh village in Jath taluk of Maharashtra and were reportedly residing in Pune at the time of the crime.
During interrogation, police said the accused confessed to the crime.
Authorities recovered:
- Entire stolen gold and silver jewellery worth Rs 22 lakh
- Three country-made pistols
- 26 live cartridges
- One air gun
- Honda Unicorn motorcycle used in the robbery
- Masks, helmets, jackets, gloves, and clothing worn during the crime
The recovery of illegal firearms has raised serious concerns about the ease of access to unlicensed weapons across states.
Why It Matters for Chandigarh, Punjab & Haryana
While the crime occurred in Karnataka, its implications resonate strongly in northern states including Punjab, Haryana, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
1. Rising Inter-State Criminal Networks
This case highlights how criminals often operate across state borders. In recent years, Chandigarh and adjoining districts in Punjab and Haryana have witnessed several cases where accused had links to other states.
2. Jewellery Shops as Soft Targets
Jewellery stores remain high-value targets due to:
- Cash-based transactions
- High concentration of gold stock
- Limited on-ground security in rural or semi-urban areas
In Punjab and Haryana too, jewellery heists have been reported in districts like Ludhiana, Panipat, and Ambala.
3. Illegal Firearms Circulation
The recovery of three country-made pistols and 26 cartridges indicates continued illegal arms circulation — an issue that has previously troubled parts of Haryana and Punjab.
Security experts in Chandigarh warn that similar modus operandi could be replicated unless preventive policing is strengthened.
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Background & Timeline of the Investigation
The robbery occurred on January 26, a national holiday when many establishments operate with limited staff and public movement fluctuates due to Republic Day events.
Investigation Timeline:
- January 26 – Robbery executed at 3:30 PM
- Same day – Case registered under BNS and Arms Act
- Special teams formed by district SP
- Technical surveillance, CCTV analysis, and informant networks activated
- Within 20 days – Accused traced and arrested
Two special teams were constituted under the supervision of Additional SP Ramanagouda A Hatti and led by DySPs Sadashiv Kattimani (Indi subdivision) and Sunil Kamble (CEN police station).
Personnel from Chadachan circle, Zalaki, Chadachan, and Horti police stations were part of the coordinated operation.
The rapid arrest within 20 days stands out in comparison to similar cases that often remain unsolved for months.
Official Statements
Laxman Nimbargi, Superintendent of Police, Vijayapura district, stated:
“Through relentless efforts, technical expertise, and effective investigative skills, the investigation team succeeded in tracing and arresting the accused within just 20 days of the incident.”
He further added that every officer and staff member involved in the investigation has been awarded individual commendation certificates.
Police officials emphasised that the swift detection reflects their commitment to ensuring public safety and deterring organised crime.
Expert & Public Reaction
Security analysts say this case underscores three emerging trends:
- Smaller towns are increasingly vulnerable to armed robberies.
- Criminals are using basic but effective disguises and low-cost motorcycles for quick mobility.
- Illegal firearms remain easily accessible in certain regions.
A retired Haryana Police officer told The Chandigarh News that “timely arrests are critical in building public trust. What matters is the speed and quality of investigation.”
Local traders in Chandigarh’s Sector 17 and Sector 22 markets expressed concern. A jewellery association member noted that CCTV coverage, armed guards, and emergency response systems need upgrading even in tier-2 and tier-3 towns.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Incident Date: January 26
- Location: Halasangi village, Vijayapura district
- Target: Bhoomika Jewellery
- Looted Items: 205g gold, 1kg silver
- Estimated Value: Rs 22 lakh
- Weapons Seized: 3 country-made pistols, 26 cartridges, 1 air gun
- Vehicle Used: Honda Unicorn motorcycle
- Arrest Time: Within 20 days
- Legal Charges: Section 311 BNS, Sections 25 & 27 Arms Act
What Happens Next?
The accused will now face judicial custody and trial proceedings under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Arms Act.
Key upcoming steps include:
- Forensic examination of seized weapons
- Ballistic testing to match fired bullets
- Court hearing and charge-sheet filing
- Possible identification of arms suppliers
Investigators are also likely to probe whether the accused had links to larger criminal networks operating across Maharashtra and Karnataka.
For northern states like Punjab and Haryana, law enforcement agencies may use this case as a reference to strengthen preventive measures, particularly around jewellery establishments and rural commercial hubs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When did the Halasangi jewellery robbery occur?
The robbery took place on January 26 at around 3:30 PM.
2. How much property was stolen?
Gold and silver ornaments worth approximately Rs 22 lakh were looted.
3. Were the accused from Karnataka?
No, both accused hail from Maharashtra and were residing in Pune.
4. What weapons were recovered?
Police recovered three country-made pistols, 26 live cartridges, and one air gun.
5. How long did police take to solve the case?
The case was cracked within 20 days of the incident.