Published Nov 10, 2026 | 3:47 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 10, 2026 | 3:47 PM
The police recovered ₹2.39 crore in cash from the accused.
Seven people, including the gunman of BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, have been arrested for allegedly attempting to rob a businessman of ₹2.68 crore in Belagavi district, police said on Monday, 9 November.
The police recovered ₹2.39 crore in cash from the accused. The main accused, Chidanand Kurabet, a District Armed Reserve personnel deployed as Jarkiholi’s gunman, has been suspended from service following the arrest.
According to a report by the UNI, Kurabet allegedly lured the businessman, identified as Kalmesh, with a promise of a 30 per cent bonus through bank transfers against cash payments. The victim reportedly arranged ₹2.68 crore by raising loans and collecting money from friends and relatives.
The accused allegedly called him to a farm shed in Sanganakeri village in Mudalagi taluk on October 30, on the pretext of counting the money. The gang allegedly attacked those present, threw chilli powder into their eyes and attempted to flee with the cash. However, the victim’s associates overpowered the accused and handed them over to the police.
Belagavi Superintendent of Police K Ramarajan said the robbery attempt was independently orchestrated by Kurabet and that Jarkiholi had no connection with the incident, UNI reported.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Varsha Gowda)
