Ullal: Police said they have arrested two more suspects, including the mastermind, in connection with the Kotekar Vyavasaya Seva Sahakari Sangha bank robbery that took place at K.C. Road, Ullal in January.

Earlier, police had arrested four accused in the initial phase of the investigation. With the latest arrests, the total number of those held has risen to six.

Police said the key accused, Bhaskar Belchapada alias Shashi Thevar (69), a native of Kanyana in Bantwal, and Mohammed Nazir, a resident of K.C. Road, were taken into custody.

Police apprehended Bhaskar Belchapada near Bengaluru Railway Station on February 24. During questioning, he provided information about Mohammed Nazir, leading to his arrest.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Bhaskar and Nazir had been in contact for the past seven years. They, along with other accused, had been planning the heist for nearly six months before executing it.

Mohammed Nazir played a crucial role in the conspiracy by guiding the accused, showing them the Kotekar Vyavasaya Seva Sahakari Sangha (N) building, and providing details about the bank staff, the timing of the robbery, and escape routes, police said.

Bhaskar Belchapad had been living in Mumbai for the past 25 years after leaving his hometown in Bantwal, Dakshina Kannada. He has multiple cases registered against him, including dacoity, extortion, and violations of the Arms Act, at various police stations in Delhi, Mumbai, and Konaje.