Two accused of robbery and shooting arrested

The Vijayapura police have arrested two persons charged with armed robbery and shooting at a man in Halasangi village.

A team of officers led by Ramanagouda Hatti, Additional Superintendent of Police, tracked down and arrested Hanamant Mallappa Waghole, 28, and Shivaraj alias Gaudappa Rausaheb Navi, 28, both residents of Pune in Maharashtra.

Investigators recovered 205 grams of gold ornaments and 1kg of silver ornaments valued at approximately ₹22,00,000, three country-made pistols (including the one used during the offence in Vijayapura district), 26 live cartridges, an air gun, a bike, masks, jacket, helmet, hand gloves, and other materials used for the offence.

Laxman Nimbargi, Superintendent of Police, told reporters in Vijayapura on February 19 that the two persons rode into the village and robbed Bhoomika Jewellery shop on January 26. The owner, Maharudra Kanchagar, had complained that they had robbed gold and silver ornaments of around ₹22,00,000. The accused had concealed their identities by covering their faces with black cloth and wearing helmets. They came on a black motorcycle and shot at an innocent bystander and a crowd, injuring some.

A case was registered at Zalaki Police Station under Sections 311 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act, 1959.

The Superintendent of Police thanked and congratulated members of the two teams constituted for the purpose. They included Sadashiv Kattimani and Sunil Kamble, Deputy Superintendents of Police, Parashuram Mangooli, CPI, Manjunath Tirakannavar, Somesh Gejji, and Rakesh Bagali, Police Sub-Inspectors, and other crime and technical staff members.

“Through relentless efforts, technical expertise, and effective investigative skills, the investigation teams succeeded in tracing and arresting the accused within just 20 days of the incident. In appreciation of their commendable work, each officer and staff member of the investigation team has been awarded individual commendation certificates,” the Superintendent of Police said.