Kerala Goldsmith Targeted in Daring Highway Robbery Near Walayar Checkpost
A 56-year-old goldsmith from Kerala fell victim to a brazen robbery, losing Rs 41 lakh in cash to a six-member gang near the Walayar checkpost on the Salem–Kochi National Highway. The incident, which unfolded on Thursday morning, has prompted a swift police investigation spanning state borders.
Details of the Robbery Incident
M Lukman, a resident of Naduvattam in Pattambi, Kerala, was returning to his hometown on his two-wheeler (registration KL 55 P 6376) after successfully selling 200 grams of gold bars in Coimbatore. Around 8:30 AM, a silver-grey car with a Kerala registration number (KL 55 T 5506) began tailing him from the city. As Lukman cleared the Walayar checkpost, the car intercepted his scooter, forcefully knocking him down.
Before he could recover from the impact, the gang members bundled him into their car at knifepoint. While some of the assailants drove the vehicle, others fled the scene with Lukman’s two-wheeler, which contained the cash hidden in a secret compartment. The gang then transported Lukman across the state border into Kerala, eventually dropping him off near Kozhinjampara after seizing his mobile phone to delay any immediate alerts to the authorities.
Police Investigation and Suspected Inside Information
A senior police officer involved in the case stated, "We are investigating the matter thoroughly. A dedicated team has been dispatched to Kerala to follow up on leads. It is highly probable that the gang had inside information regarding the man’s gold transaction, given the precision of their attack." Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the Walayar checkpost and surrounding toll plazas to identify the suspects and trace their movements.
The robbery highlights growing concerns about highway safety and organized crime in the region. Police are urging citizens, especially those involved in high-value transactions, to exercise caution and report any suspicious activities promptly.
