Thiruvananthapuram: Five people have been arrested in connection with two separate incidents where men were attacked and robbed of their mobile phones in the city late on Sunday night and early Monday. These incidents have heightened concerns over a spate of night-time street crimes.
First Incident
In the first incident, a two-member gang attacked a youth from Kazhakkoottam around 11:15 pm within the Cantonment police station limits and snatched his mobile phone. The accused, identified as Suraj, 24, and Vivek, 30, both natives of Rajaji Nagar, were arrested. Suraj is listed as a rowdy-sheet accused at the station. Both were taken into custody, produced before a court, and remanded.
Second Incident
In a similar incident reported from Vattiyoorkavu police station limits around 12:15 am, a three-member gang assaulted a youth who was sitting in the parking area of a hotel at Kanjirampara. They robbed him of a mobile phone worth Rs 1.25 lakh. The arrested individuals were identified as Adarsh, 24, of Puliyarakonam, Abhilash, 34, of PTP Nagar, and Naufal, 25, of Vazhottukonam. Police said the accused targeted the victim while he was alone and escaped after the attack.
Ongoing Investigation
Police suspect that these incidents are not isolated and are examining whether similar cases have gone unreported. Further investigation is underway.
