News Flash Daily
24 February 
Police crack sensational dacoity case in Davanagere district; five-member Tamil Nadu-based gang arrested, gold and valuables worth ₹14 lakh recovered
Davanagere: In a major breakthrough, Davanagere district police have arrested a notorious and dangerous robbery gang four months after it carried out a film-style dacoity at the house of an elderly couple in Kakanur village of Channagiri taluk. The gang had tied the couple’s hands and legs, threatened them with death, and decamped with gold jewellery worth ₹8.40 lakh. Following sustained investigation and interstate coordination, police have recovered stolen property worth nearly Rs. 14 lakh from the accused.
According to senior police officials, the arrested gang is suspected to be involved in multiple similar robbery cases across Karnataka, including cases registered in parts of Bengaluru, raising concerns over an organised interstate crime network targeting isolated households.
Four-Month Manhunt Ends in Arrest
Police identified and arrested five accused, all natives of Tamil Nadu. The arrested individuals are Shivakumar from Hosur, Bettapalli, Kesavan from Salem district, Arun Prashanth from Dindigul district, Arasu from Tiruvannamalai, and Kaladevi from Namakkal. After tracking their movements for several weeks, police teams travelled to Tamil Nadu and successfully took them into custody.
Investigators said the recovery included gold ornaments, cash, and other valuables, confirming the gang’s involvement in a string of well-planned robberies.
What Is the Case?
The crime dates back to September 6, 2025, when a five-member masked gang entered the house of an elderly couple in Kakanur village after noticing that the door was open late at night. The accused first overpowered Madappa, who was watching television, tying him with a dhoti. They then restrained his wife, Savitramma, who was in the kitchen, by binding her hands and legs with a rope.
The gang not only robbed the gold ornaments worn by the couple but also issued death threats and looted jewellery stored inside cupboards. The incident took place when the couple’s son had stepped out for work, leaving them alone at home, which made the attack all the more traumatic.
Victims Were Retired Government Employees
Police said the victims were retired government employees who had earlier lived for several years in the coastal Karnataka region. After retirement, they moved back and settled with their only son in a farmhouse in Kakanur village, believing the area to be safe and peaceful.
Interstate Gang With Wider Network
Following the registration of the case, Davanagere police launched an intensive investigation, analysing call records, movement patterns, and previous crime data. The probe revealed that the gang had entered the arecanut-growing Channagiri region via Chitradurga and may have carried out reconnaissance before executing the robbery.
Police sources confirmed that similar cases are registered against the gang in parts of Bengaluru, indicating a wider operational network. Investigators are also probing whether the accused received any local assistance or logistical support during their operations.
“This was a well-planned, interstate robbery. We are investigating their wider network and possible local links. Strict legal action will be taken against all those involved,” a senior police officer said.
The arrests have brought relief to residents of Channagiri taluk, while police have advised the public, especially elderly couples living alone, to remain vigilant and strengthen basic home security measures.
