Surat Police have achieved another major breakthrough in the sensational SBI bank robbery case that shocked the city earlier this year. Investigators have arrested an additional accused who allegedly assisted the gang in transporting and concealing money stolen during the high-profile robbery at a State Bank of India (SBI) branch in Varachha.
The latest arrest has revealed a wider interstate conspiracy involving suspects from Bihar and Gujarat. Police say the accused was specifically called from Bihar to help the gang move the looted cash after the robbery, which involved more than ₹48 lakh.
Another Arrest in the ₹48.15 Lakh SBI Robbery Case
Bihar Resident Held for Assisting Main Accused
The arrested accused has been identified as Rohit Kumar Rupesh Singh Rathod (24), a resident of Kolwara village in Muzaffarpur district of Bihar. According to police officials, Rohit Kumar was arrested on June 14, 2026, and booked under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 and the Arms Act. Investigators claim that although Rohit was not directly involved in executing the robbery inside the bank, he played a crucial role in helping the gang transport and manage the stolen money after the crime.
What Happened During the SBI Bank Robbery?
The robbery took place on April 27, 2026, at around 1 PM at the SBI branch located on the first floor of Shakti Tower on L.H. Road in Surat’s Varachha area. According to the police complaint, more than five armed individuals entered the bank and allegedly threatened staff and customers with pistol-like weapons.
The accused reportedly:
- Threatened employees and customers
- Assaulted bank staff
- Held people hostage inside the branch
- Looted cash from the bank premises
- Stole mobile phones belonging to customers
Police records indicate that the gang escaped with:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cash Available at Branch | ₹10.15 Lakh |
| Cash Recently Delivered to Branch | ₹38 Lakh |
| Total Loot | ₹48.15 Lakh |
The robbery quickly became one of Surat’s most discussed crime cases of 2026.
Signal App Used to Plan the Robbery
Police investigations have identified the alleged mastermind as Alex alias Akhilesh Kumar, who remains absconding. According to investigators, the accused used the encrypted messaging platform Signal to communicate with his associates and plan the robbery.
Police believe:
- The target bank was selected after careful planning.
- Communication was carried out through Signal to avoid detection.
- Multiple accomplices were recruited from different states.
- Roles were assigned before and after the robbery.
The use of encrypted communication has made the investigation more complex.
Accused Was Called From Bihar for “Big Work”
Investigators revealed that Alex contacted Rohit Kumar and informed him about a “big job” that would earn him money. Rohit allegedly agreed and travelled from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, to Gujarat along with his friend Prince. Initially, he was instructed to stay in Bharuch and remain available for further instructions.
Later, he travelled to Ahmedabad, where he met his father, who works in Hazira, before returning to Bharuch after receiving directions from Alex.
Looted Money Transported Across States
Cash-Filled Bag Carried From Gujarat to Delhi
One of the most significant revelations in the investigation concerns the movement of the stolen money.
Police say that after the robbery:
- Alex contacted Rohit in Bharuch.
- Both travelled to Ahmedabad.
- They carried a blue bag filled with cash.
- The duo boarded a private bus and travelled via Jaipur to Delhi.
During the journey, Alex allegedly showed bundles of cash to Rohit and admitted that the money had been stolen from the SBI branch in Varachha. This disclosure became a key piece of evidence during interrogation.
₹1.30 Lakh Deposited Into Multiple Accounts
Police investigations further revealed that Alex allegedly handed Rohit ₹1.30 lakh in cash and instructed him to deposit the amount into specific bank accounts.
Investigators claim that:
- Rohit returned to Bihar.
- Account details were shared via Signal.
- The money was deposited as instructed.
- The transactions are now being traced by police.
Authorities are examining whether additional funds were routed through other individuals or accounts as part of a larger laundering network.
Mastermind Still on the Run
While Rohit Kumar’s arrest marks another breakthrough, the primary accused Alex alias Akhilesh Kumar remains absconding.
Police sources indicate that efforts are underway to:
- Track financial transactions linked to the robbery.
- Identify additional accomplices.
- Recover remaining stolen funds.
- Trace digital communications used in planning the crime.
Investigators believe the arrest of Rohit could help uncover critical information about the gang’s operations and lead to the capture of the remaining accused.
Interstate Crime Network Under Scanner
The case has highlighted the growing challenge of organized interstate criminal networks.
Officials are now examining whether:
- The accused were involved in previous robberies.
- Similar methods were used in other states.
- Additional financiers or handlers were involved.
- More suspects from Bihar, Rajasthan, Delhi, or Gujarat were connected to the conspiracy.
Conclusion
The arrest of Rohit Kumar Rathod has provided Surat Police with a significant lead in the ₹48.15 lakh SBI bank robbery case. Investigators believe the accused played a key role in moving stolen cash across state borders and helping the gang conceal the proceeds of the crime.
As police continue their hunt for mastermind Alex alias Akhilesh Kumar and other absconding suspects, the case remains one of the most high-profile criminal investigations currently underway in Surat.
Also read, Surat Police Arrest 243 Wanted Criminals in 100-Day Operation TRAP
Watch Latest News Videos on KRH News: Click Here