Mystery deepens over Rs 400-cr demonetised-currency heist at Belagavi

Belagavi: Investigating agencies are facing a web of contradictions over a sensational claim of a Rs 400-crore heist involving demonetised currency notes at Chorla Ghat in Belagavi district, with officials increasingly suspecting that the alleged "loot" may be fictitious. A week after the "incident" came to light, it still remains a tale of missing containers, currency sans value and unanswered questions.The complaint was filed by Sandeep Patil, a Nashik resident, saying two container trucks carrying demonetised currency from Goa to Gujarat were intercepted and looted in Chorla Ghat forested stretch. However, investigators point to major logistical, legal and factual gaps in the claim.Officials question as to why vehicles travelling from Goa to Gujarat would take the narrow and hazardous Chorla Ghat route through Belagavi when a shorter and safer highway via Maharashtra is available. The ghat section is also under heavy surveillance, with multiple police and excise check-posts across three jurisdictions and extensive CCTV coverage, making it unlikely that two large containers could pass unnoticed.The absence of motive has emerged as a key concern. The currency allegedly involved belongs to the 2016 demonetised series, which no longer has legal tender value."The risk-to-reward ratio makes no sense," a senior official said. "There is no functional market for demonetised notes that would justify a high-stakes highway robbery," a senior officer told TOI.Investigators also flagged inconsistencies in Patil's statements, with the claimed amount fluctuating between Rs 400 crore and Rs 1,000 crore. Admitting that he has not witnessed the alleged heist, Patil said his claim was based on a conversation overheard while being kidnapped by four individuals.Maharashtra police have arrested four persons, but officials clarified that the arrests relate only to a kidnapping case, and not to any currency robbery. No containers or demonetised notes have been recovered so far.Belagavi SP K Ramarajan said the case is currently based on hearsay. "We initiated an inquiry after media reports surfaced and sent a team to Nashik to meet the complainant. As of now, nothing concrete has emerged," he said.The SP added that a formal FIR would be required to expand the probe, but even the basic claim about the existence of the containers remains unverified. The alleged incident is said to have occurred in Oct. No owner, transporter or consignee has come forward still.