Four Individuals Arrested for Premeditated Robbery of Elderly Woman in Thiruvananthapuram
In a shocking incident in Thiruvananthapuram, Fort Police have apprehended four persons for brutally assaulting a 65-year-old woman and robbing her of valuable gold ornaments. The accused cunningly posed as plastic waste collection workers from the local corporation to gain access to the victim's residence.
Details of the Assault and Robbery
The crime took place on February 13 at the woman's flat located near the Mukkolakkal Devi Temple. The perpetrators approached her under the false pretense of collecting plastic waste. Once they gained her trust, they forcefully entered the home, attacked the elderly victim, and gagged her to prevent her from screaming for help.
During the assault, the robbers snatched a necklace directly from her neck and forcibly removed six gold bangles before fleeing the scene. The victim was left traumatized by the violent encounter, which has had lasting psychological effects on her well-being.
Identification of the Accused
The arrested individuals have been identified as Sarath, aged 34 from Konchira; Rajan, aged 63 from Kodunganoor, Nettayam; Sheeba, aged 42 from Chullimanoor, Nedumangad; and Reena, aged 43 from Mukkolakkal. Police investigations revealed that the robbery was not a random act but a carefully planned conspiracy.
Premeditated Nature of the Crime
According to police statements, the robbery was premeditated and involved detailed planning by the accused. Sheeba had initially established contact with Shamaya, a hotel employee in Venpalavattom, and later connected with her relative Reena, who resided on the ground floor of the same flat complex as the victim.
Through this connection, the conspirators gathered crucial information that the elderly woman regularly wore gold ornaments. Based on this intelligence, Sheeba, Reena, and Sarath—who has a known criminal background—allegedly plotted to carry out the robbery. Sarath later involved Rajan and another associate he had met while serving time in jail to execute the malicious plan.
Police Investigation and Evidence
Following the attack, the accused went into hiding and attempted to destroy evidence to evade capture. However, Fort Police successfully tracked them down through meticulous investigative work. This included analyzing CCTV footage from the area, examining the clothes worn by the suspects during the crime, and verifying their criminal histories.
The thorough police work led to the swift arrest of all four individuals involved in this heinous act. Authorities have confirmed that further investigation is currently underway to uncover any additional details or accomplices.
Impact on the Victim and Family
The victim's son, Vishnu Prasad, who works in the engineering section of Air India at Thiruvananthapuram airport, shared the profound impact this incident has had on his mother and their family. He stated, "My mother's health is now stable, but mentally she is completely shaken. We rented this place thinking the surroundings were peaceful, but that sense of safety is gone. Now we have decided to move out. For my mother, this place has become a bad memory forever."
The family's decision to relocate underscores the severe emotional trauma inflicted by the robbery, highlighting how such crimes can permanently alter lives and shatter feelings of security in one's own home.
