Black-Doll-Fake-Key-and-53-Crores-GoneWhat-Happened-at-Canara-BankGold heist mystery: CCTV erased, alarm disabled, ₹53 crores gold and cash looted from Canara Bank Managuli. Black magic twist leaves cops baffled

 

A dramatic bank robbery has rattled Karnataka after unidentified robbers looted nearly 59 kilograms of pledged gold jewellery and ₹5.2 lakhs in cash from Canara Bank’s Managuli branch in Vijayapura district. The stolen gold, pledged by customers for loans, is estimated to be worth over ₹53 crores.

 

Robbery Executed Over Extended Holiday

 

The theft took place during the extended holiday between May 23 and 25, 2025, while the bank remained closed for the fourth Saturday and Sunday. The crime came to light on May 25 when a part-time staffer arrived for routine cleaning and found the rolling shutter’s lock broken.

 

Robbers Had Insider Knowledge and Disabled Security Systems

 

Police say the gang entered the branch using a fake key and had a clear understanding of the bank’s layout. They bypassed the alarm system, removed the CCTV NVR unit, and erased all security footage. The robbers cut through the grill gate of the strongroom and emptied a steel almirah containing 1,373 packets of gold. Another almirah with cash was also looted.

 

Black Doll Found at Scene Adds Mysterious Twist

 

This case took a mysterious turn when a black doll was found close to the broken window, probably placed as a black magic decoy to mislead investigators. This development has further deepened the mystery and raised questions about whether superstition was used as a tool of psychological misdirection.

 

One of the Biggest Gold Robberies in Indian Banking History

 

The robbery stands as one of the biggest gold-related heists in India’s banking history in both scale and planning. The delay in filing the initial complaint stemmed from the need to verify the remaining inventory and confirm exact losses.

 

Eight Police Teams Formed to Investigate

 

In order to solve the case, eight dedicated police teams have been formed. Investigators believe that the robbers had been keeping a watch on the bank for days and struck at the perfect timing. Superintendent of Police Laxman Nimbargi informed that a thorough investigation into the internal working of the branch, as well as on various roles played by the staff, is being carried out.

 

Customers Assured as Security Lapses Raise Alarms

 

While the bank assures the customers that the stolen gold is fully insured, the breach has raised serious alarm over security practices in rural branches where large pledged assets are handled.

 

Case Yet to Be Closed, Police Leads Underway

 

The case is yet to be closed as there have been no arrests so far. Police teams are tracing leads to identify the gang behind this highly calculated and audacious operation.