In a shocking development in the Santosh Ladda robbery case, it has been revealed that the main accused, businessman Santosh Ladda, purchased a plot of land worth ₹9 lakh just hours before being killed in a police encounter. The transaction was carried out in the name of his sister, Rohini Khotkar, who is now accused of providing financial support to the crime.
According to Police Inspector Sambhaji Pawar, the land was purchased near the railway tracks in Padegaon on the afternoon of May 26. During interrogation, police confirmed that ₹9 lakh was seized in connection with the transaction. The plot was officially registered in Rohini’s name, leading to her arrest on June 24 for her alleged role in abetting the crime.
On May 15, while the Ladda family was abroad, their bungalow was looted in a high-profile robbery that shook the city. The criminals made away with 5.9 kg of gold and 32 kg of silver. So far, police have arrested 21 individuals involved in the case. The prime conspirator, Amol Khotkar, was living with an associate named Khushi prior to the encounter.
Police investigations have revealed several critical details, including questions about where the stolen gold was sold, the amount received, and how the proceeds were used — leading directly to the land purchase in Padegaon.
Another major turn in the case is the involvement of Rohini’s friend, Ranjit, who is originally from Bangalore but currently employed at a casino in Goa. Rohini and Ranjit reportedly met in Goa in October 2024 and had planned to marry on June 26. However, Rohini was sent to Harmul Jail on that very day.
Acting on leads, the crime branch arrested Ranjit in Goa on Thursday. He was interrogated extensively by two police teams on Friday. Investigators suspect that Rohini may have shared sensitive information related to the robbery with Ranjit.
Despite Amol Khotkar's death, several critical aspects of the case remain unresolved — including the whereabouts of the unrecovered gold. The police are continuing to investigate the roles of Rohini, the land purchase, her ties with Ranjit, and the financial trail of the stolen assets.
The case has become increasingly complex, posing significant challenges for law enforcement as they work to piece together the full extent of the conspiracy.