Haveri Police Crack Major Robbery Case on National Highway, Arrest Nine Suspects
In a significant breakthrough, the Haveri police have successfully solved a robbery case that occurred on NH-48 near Motebennur in Byadagi taluk. The investigation led to the arrest of nine suspects, with authorities revealing that the truck's co-driver was the mastermind behind the crime.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
Superintendent of Police Yashodha Vantagodi provided this information during a press conference held on Friday. The arrested individuals include Anwar Muktumsab, 30, from Dharwad; Hazarat Ali Lagali, 30, from Hirekumbi; Ameer Khan Pathan, 32, from the same village; Ibrahim Beedi, 28, from Kittur; Aspak Channapur, 33, from Hubballi; Saddam Hakim, 33; Rafiq Eligara, 33; Aspak Makandar, 33; and Zeeshan Kanchgar, 32.
Police seized Rs 40 lakh in cash, a Swift car, and a Mahindra Thar, among other vehicles. The robbery took place on the night of March 27. The truck was driven by Sharappa, with the truck owner, Riyaz Ahmad Hanasi, and co-driver Anwar Muktumsab accompanying him.
How the Robbery Unfolded
At approximately 11:45 PM near Motebennur, the suspects arrived in a car, intercepted the truck, and threatened Sharappa and the others. They forcibly took a bag of money from the truck's toolbox. Additionally, they confiscated the mobile phones of those present in the truck. Following the incident, Riyaz Ahmad filed a formal complaint at the Byadagi police station.
A dedicated team, including Byadagi Circle Police Inspector M B Chikkananavar, Police Sub-Inspectors Bharati Kuri and N K Ninganahalli, along with their staff, conducted a thorough investigation. They discovered that Anwar Muktumsab was in regular contact with the other suspects. During interrogation, Anwar confessed to providing them with crucial information about the money in the truck and its movements, which directly facilitated the robbery.
Ongoing Investigation and Security Measures
Superintendent of Police Vantagodi further informed that Vinod Rathod from Hubballi had given the money in a bag for purchasing electronic goods, and it was placed in the toolbox before being robbed. The police have not specified the exact amount of money transported in the truck, but they suspect there are unanswered questions regarding the funds, Vinod Rathod's identity, and the purpose of transporting such a large sum. These aspects are being actively investigated.
Authorities are preparing to issue a notice to Vinod Rathod after obtaining his address. In response to the incident, security on the national highway will be significantly enhanced. Measures include deploying five 112 vehicles, two highway patrol vehicles, and eight other vehicles, including highway check vehicles, for patrolling. A Police Sub-Inspector and additional staff will also be separately assigned to ensure highway security.
Additional Superintendent of Police LY Shirakol, Circle Police Inspector Santosh Pawar, and other officials were present during the press conference, underscoring the importance of this case.
