A shocking revelation has emerged in the robbery at the Bhokar branch of the State Bank of India (SBI) in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district. According to preliminary investigations, the entire robbery was allegedly planned inside prison, where the accused developed criminal connections before carrying out the crime after securing bail.

Police have identified dismissed police sub-inspector Shankar Jask as the alleged mastermind. Four accused, including Gajanan Rajendra Pawar, have been arrested in connection with the case.

Investigations revealed that Shankar Jask was previously arrested in connection with an alleged robbery of ₹3.17 crore from an SBI branch in the Shani Peth police station area of Jalgaon city in 2023. While in prison, he reportedly became acquainted with Gajanan Pawar, who had been jailed in 2024 for allegedly murdering his girlfriend's husband in the Chalisgaon area.

After both were released on bail a few months ago, they allegedly conspired to rob the SBI branch in Bhokar.

According to investigators, the accused, along with two other accomplices, entered the bank and threatened the branch manager and cashier at gunpoint. They allegedly forced the employees to open nearly 16 lockers before collecting gold and cash in five to six bags and fleeing the premises.

The robbers reportedly remained inside the bank for approximately 40 to 45 minutes, creating panic among employees. Following the incident, they escaped towards Dharangaon. Local villagers began chasing them, prompting the district police to launch an immediate search operation.

Police received information that the accused had thrown four bags along the roadside near Chavalkheda while escaping. Acting on the information, Police Inspector Amarkant Gaikwad and his team reached the location and launched a search with the help of villagers. Eventually, Shankar Jask and Gajanan Pawar were apprehended while hiding in a field in the Chavalkheda area.

So far, four accused have been arrested. Police have recovered approximately ₹15 lakh in cash and bags containing gold. Investigations are underway to determine the total value of the stolen cash and gold, identify the roles of other suspects and establish whether additional individuals were involved in planning the robbery.