Kodagu Police Arrest Three in Connection with Multiple Theft Cases
In a significant crackdown on criminal activities, the Kodagu district police have arrested three individuals in connection with separate theft cases involving coffee, black pepper, and oxen. The arrests were made following thorough investigations and interrogations that linked the accused to these crimes.
Details of the Arrests and Theft Incidents
The arrested individuals have been identified as KM Ubaid, 36, from Channayyana Kote; PM Mujeeb, 36, from Kottamudi village in Kodagu; and Abdul Rehman, 34, from Katikolam, Manandwadi in Kerala. Their involvement came to light after police received multiple complaints from victims in the region.
One of the cases involved a resident of Devapura village, MA Uthaiah, who lodged a complaint on December 21, reporting the theft of 15 bags of coffee that were kept in his field. In another incident, TH Hanif of Channangolli filed a complaint at the Gonikoppa police station on February 19 regarding the theft of 11 bags of black pepper.
Interception of Illegal Cattle Transportation
On February 28, acting on a tip about illegal cattle transportation, police conducted a check near the Thithimathi sub-station on the highway. During this operation, they intercepted a vehicle transporting oxen and detained the suspects for questioning.
During interrogation, the police discovered that the accused had allegedly stolen two oxen from the limits of the Bilikere police station and a vehicle from the Hunsur police station limits. Further questioning revealed their connection to the earlier coffee and black pepper thefts.
Recovery of Stolen Property and Cash
Kodagu SP Bindu Mani stated that the police seized significant evidence from the accused, including Rs 1,43,500 in cash, three vehicles, and two oxen. This recovery highlights the extent of the theft operations and the police's efforts to curb such activities in the district.
Separate Case: Caretaker Arrested for Theft
In an unrelated but equally concerning case, police arrested a caretaker for allegedly stealing cash and jewellery from the house where he was employed. The accused, identified as Bhadrappa Basappa Hadapada, 27, from Mannur village in Vijayapura district, was working as a caretaker for the elderly brother of Dr Parthasarathy, who resides behind FMKM Cariappa College in Madikeri.
Before taking the job, Hadapada allegedly introduced himself as Mahantesh Pujara from Koppal district, using a false identity to gain employment. Following a complaint about the theft of gold ornaments and Rs 5.5 lakh in cash from the house on February 28, police questioned and arrested him. A local court has since remanded him to judicial custody.
Seizure and Past Criminal Involvement
Police reported seizing Rs 5,09,000 in cash, 137 grams of gold, and a mobile phone from Hadapada. Additionally, investigations revealed that he was involved in a theft case in Davanagere in 2025, indicating a pattern of criminal behavior.
These arrests underscore the Kodagu police's commitment to tackling theft and ensuring public safety in the region. The cases serve as a reminder for residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities promptly.
