Pramesh S Jain
“Three-State Police Hunt Launched; SIT Formed in Rs.400 Crore Container Hijack Case”
A major inter-state container hijack involving banned Rs.2,000 denomination currency notes worth over Rs.400 crore has come to light months after the incident.
Six persons—Jayesh Kadam,Vishal Naidu,Sunil Dhumal, Virat Gandhi and Janardan Dhaygude—all from Mumbai, have been taken into custody in connection with the alleged looting and extortion by the Ghoti police.
“We have so far arrested six person Aaditya Mirkhelkar told reporters.
The hijacking took place at the Chorla Ghat in Khanapur taluk of Belagavi district while the cash-laden containers were being transported from Goa to Maharashtra.
The case has triggered a joint investigation by police forces from Karnataka, Goa,and Maharashtra,with a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted on the orders of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra
Fadnavis.
Hijack Occurred in October 2025
According to official records,the incident occurred on October 16,2025.Two containers carrying a massive quantity of cash allegedly went missing in the forested and accident-prone Chorla Ghat stretch.
The fact that the crime surfaced several months later has raised serious concerns and suspicion among investigating agencies.
Cash Belonged to Maharashtra Real Estate Tycoon
Police sources in Maharashtra have revealed that the seized amount reportedly belonged to Kishor Sheth,a prominent real estate businessman.
The containers were transporting banned Rs.2,000 notes when they were hijacked under mysterious circumstances.
Case Exposed After Abduction Complaint:
The case came to light following a complaint filed by Sandeep Patil,a resident of Nashik.In his complaint dated January 1,2026,Patil alleged that he was abducted at gunpoint by associates of Kishor Sheth,who accused him of orchestrating the container hijack.
Patil claimed he was illegally detained for nearly one and a half months,subjected to physical and mental torture, and threatened with death unless he paid Rs.400 crore.
He later managed to escape and approached the Nashik police,leading to the exposure of the hijack case that had remained undisclosed until then.
Six Arrested,Two Key Accused Absconding
Based on the complaint,Maharashtra Police launched a crackdown and arrested six accused persons.Two key suspects remain absconding,and search operations are underway across multiple states.
Police officials stated that recovery of the hijacked containers and cash is likely only after the arrest of the remaining accused.
SIT to Probe All Angles:
Given the magnitude and sensitivity of the case,Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered the formation of an SIT to conduct a comprehensive probe.
Investigators are also examining whether the cash was diverted for local body elections held recently in Maharashtra.The investigation is ongoing..
Sayyad Azhar,Virat Gandhi and Machhindra Madavi allegedly approached a builder, claiming to have a container filled with Rs 2,000 notes worth Rs 400 crore.
They wanted to exchange the notes but needed money to offer security, which is sought in such transactions, they allegedly told the builder.
If he lent them money,he would get good returns,they assured him.
After taking money from him, they claimed that one Sandeep Patil had stolen the container of cash.
Patil was then kidnapped and assaulted by four persons, allegedly sent by the builder.After being released,he approached the Nashik Rural Police station and lodged a complaint. Six persons,including Azhar, Gandhi and Madavi, have been arrested so far, and further probe is underway, police said.
