Police in Coimbatore have launched a major operation to track down a criminal gang responsible for a series of daring daytime house burglaries across the city and its outskirts. Special investigation teams from both the city and rural police units have been formed following incidents where gold jewellery and other valuables were stolen from locked homes.
Three Homes Targeted in Single Day
The gang's spree came to light after a complaint was lodged by J. Ranganathan, a 55-year-old resident of PLS Nagar. Ranganathan, who works for a private firm in Perumanallur, and his wife, a private school teacher, had left for work on Tuesday after securely locking their house. The breach was discovered when Ranganathan's brother-in-law, Nagarajan, noticed the front door was open and alerted him.
Rushing home, Ranganathan found his house ransacked. The thieves had made off with gold jewellery, including diamond-studded earrings weighing approximately 17 grams, and a wristwatch. A formal complaint was filed at the Peelamedu police station on Wednesday, leading to the registration of a case and the start of a detailed probe.
Police Connect Multiple Thefts to Same Gang
Initial police investigations quickly revealed that this was not an isolated incident. The same gang is believed to have struck two other houses on the same Tuesday. In Muthalipalayam near Sulur, the thieves stole 10 sovereigns of gold. Another burglary in Kaikolapalayam near Kovilpalayam resulted in the loss of 7.25 sovereigns of gold. Both these locations fall under the jurisdiction of the Coimbatore rural police.
Further inquiries by the investigating teams uncovered that the gang's activities may extend beyond Coimbatore district. They are also suspected of burgling a couple of houses in Perundurai, located in the neighbouring Erode district. This pattern suggests an organised gang operating across district lines.
City and Rural Police Join Forces in Manhunt
In response to these connected crimes, the Coimbatore city and rural police have pooled resources and formed dedicated special teams. The primary objective of these teams is to identify, locate, and apprehend the gang members involved in this coordinated crime wave. The police are analysing evidence from all crime scenes and following specific leads to crack the case swiftly.
The incidents have caused concern among residents in the affected areas, highlighting the need for heightened security even during daytime hours. The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately to aid in the ongoing investigation.
