In a startling revelation, police have identified Balasaheb Ingole, a childhood friend and former associate of industrialist Santosh Ladda, as the mastermind behind the high-profile robbery at Ladda’s residence in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
The burglary took place on May 15, 2025, while Ladda was abroad. Authorities believe Ingole used his longstanding personal relationship and insider knowledge of the household to orchestrate the crime. He allegedly shared this information with co-accused Adinath Jadhav, who then brought in additional accomplices, including Nanasaheb Shinde and the main suspect, Amol Khotkar.
The group reportedly met in advance to meticulously plan the break-in, which led to the theft of nearly 8 kilograms of gold and 40 kilograms of silver. Interestingly, a large amount of cash stored in the house was untouched—Ladda had reportedly removed it before his travel, possibly preventing even greater losses.
Investigators are also probing a minor fallout between Ladda and Ingole from December 2024, suspecting it could have played a role in the betrayal and planning of the heist.
The case took a deadly turn on May 26, when key suspect Amol Khotkar was killed in a police encounter. Officials claim Khotkar opened fire on the arresting team and attempted to run over a constable, leading officers to retaliate. He later succumbed to his injuries at the Government Medical College and Hospital. However, Khotkar’s family has challenged the police narrative, alleging a fake encounter and demanding an impartial investigation.
Five other suspects have been arrested and remain in custody as authorities continue efforts to trace the stolen items and unravel the full extent of the conspiracy. The case has gripped public attention, not only for the audacity of the heist but also for the personal betrayal at its core.
