₹38 lakh looted from trader after assault near Honnali

Honnali : In a daring early morning robbery, unidentified miscreants waylaid an Omni vehicle and looted ₹38 lakh in cash from a trader near Arakere A.K. Colony in the outskirts of Honnali police limits.

The victim, identified as Malatesh, a grocery trader residing in Maidolu Mallapura village of Bhadravati taluk, was travelling with his friend Manachari when the incident occurred around 4 am. Malatesh, originally from Hosahalli in Honnali taluk, had recently sold agricultural land and was carrying cash from the transaction.

According to police, Malatesh had sold 10.58 acres of land in Moragera village of Hagari Bommanahalli taluk and received ₹1.21 crore. After repaying a loan of ₹36 lakh, he was carrying the remaining ₹76 lakh in separate bags while returning via Harapanahalli and Harihar route.

The incident unfolded near Malebennur when a grey-coloured car reportedly brushed against their vehicle from behind. Alarmed, the duo sped up, but the car chased them and eventually blocked their Omni vehicle.

Four persons stepped out of the car and picked up an argument, accusing the victims of hitting their vehicle. As Malatesh and his friend got down, the  accused  allegedly assaulted them and snatched one of the bags containing ₹38 lakh, along with a mobile phone.

In the chaos, the victims attempted to flee briefly, but the attackers seized the opportunity to grab another bag, mistaking it to contain cash. However, police said one bag containing ₹36 lakh remained hidden under the seat and was later recovered.

After the accused fled the scene, the victims approached relatives in Malebennur to secure the remaining money before lodging a complaint at the Honnali police station.

Senior officers, including district Superintendent of Police H.T. Shekhar and DySP Rudresh Ujjinakoppa, visited the spot and inspected the scene. A special team has been formed to trace the accused,