Vijay Kumar from Tamil Nadu, inspired by the TV series Money Heist, masterminded a bank robbery in Nyamati, Davanagere. Along with accomplices, he looted 17.7kg of gold from SBI’s branch. Motive was frustration over rejected loan applications. The suspects were arrested, and 17kg of gold was recovered, with careful planning ensuring minimal clues.

DAVANAGERE: Five months after the bank robbery at Nyamati in Davanagere district was committed, police investigations reveal that the mastermind, Vijay Kumar from Madurai in Tamil Nadu, had watched crime drama Money Heist on loop for 15 times, several bank robbery documentaries and YouTube videos before targeting State Bank of India’s branch from where he and his accomplices had taken away 17.7kg of gold.
All six suspects, who were first-time offenders, have been arrested. A total of 17kg gold has been recovered from them.
After closely watching the TV series and videos, the suspects allegedly bought hand gloves, gas-cutters and chilli powder from Nyamati and neighbouring Shivamogga and did a reconnaissance of the bank premises for six months both during night and day when the bank branch was shut for weekend or on public holidays. None of the suspects used cellphone so that cops don’t get even faint leads on the case.
Loan rejection was main motive for burglary of bank, says IGP
After burgling the bank on the night of October 26, 2024, they shifted gold – mostly in the form of jewellery pieces pledged by more than 500 customers while availing loan – into a Renault Duster parked 3km away. They kept the stolen treasure in the SUV at village Surahonni, about 5km from the Nyamati bank, for nearly a week before driving away to Madurai – about 750km away – and safely concealing it in an unused well on a farmhouse belonging to the family of prime suspect Vijay.
Since the suspects had sprinkled chilli powder at the scene of crime, sniffer dogs lost the trail after a distance. “They left no clues after the burglary, and it was a challenge for us to crack the case early,” said Ravikante Gowda, IGP Eastern Range Davanagere.
Three suspects – Vijay Kumar, his brother Ajay Kumar, their cousin Paramanand – were from Madurai in Tamil Nadu, while the others – Abhishekh, Chandru, and Manjunath – were from Nyamati.
Vijay had previously applied for Rs 15 lakh loan from SBI Nyamati under the PME scheme for his bakery business and another application in his brother’s name. Both applications were rejected due to low Cibil scores. “Vijay was frustrated, and the loan rejection was the main motive for the burglary of bank,” the IGP said.