Kodagu Police Crack Down on Theft Rings, Recover Lakhs in Stolen Property
In a significant crackdown on criminal activities, the Kodagu district police have successfully solved multiple theft cases reported across Madikeri city, Somwarpet, and Virajpet subdivisions. The law enforcement agency has not only arrested the accused individuals but also recovered substantial stolen properties and cash, which have been formally handed back to their rightful owners.
Major Recovery Operations Across the District
Superintendent of Police RN Bindu Mani addressed reporters on Sunday, detailing the comprehensive recovery operations. The police have seized lakhs of rupees in cash, along with valuable jewellery, significant quantities of coffee and black pepper, and multiple vehicles from the apprehended suspects. This coordinated effort demonstrates the department's commitment to combating property crimes in the region.
Notable Cases and Arrests
Impersonation and Theft in Madikeri: In one particularly audacious case, a villager from Vijayapura district, identified as Bhadrappa Basappa Hadapada, allegedly impersonated Mahantesh Pujar to secure employment as a caretaker for a senior citizen. On February 28, he reportedly stole 137 grams of gold, Rs 5.09 in cash, and a mobile phone from the residence. The Madikeri city police, upon registering the case, uncovered that the accused had changed his identity to commit the theft. He was subsequently produced before a court, and all stolen valuables were successfully recovered.
Temple Theft in Ponnampet Taluk: Another serious incident involved the theft of 40 grams of gold and 2.5 kilograms of silver ornaments from the Ponnappa Santhe Kallugudda Ishwara Temple, with a complaint filed on March 23. A special investigation team was promptly formed, leading to the arrest of four individuals: Kyaly Kuttappa (19) from Sulugod village, VS Yashwanth (20) from Hathur village, Harshan (19) from Tejur village in Hassan, and Shreyas (24) from Bogadi in Mysuru. From these suspects, police recovered Rs 50,700 in cash, 2.422 kilograms of silver, 5.5 grams of gold, a two-wheeler, and four mobile phones.
Additional Solved Cases and Recoveries
In Kushalnagar taluk, three separate cases registered at the Kushalnagar rural police station—involving thefts of gold jewellery, coffee, and two cars—have all been successfully solved by investigators. Similarly, within the Suntikoppa police station limits, four cases concerning theft of gold ornaments, coffee, and black pepper have been resolved, with stolen items recovered.
Furthermore, in a broader effort to address mobile phone thefts, police recovered a total of 54 mobile phones that had been reported lost or stolen across various incidents.
Officials Present During Announcement
The recovery operations and subsequent announcements were overseen by several senior police officials, including DYSPs Suraj, Mahesh, Dinesh Kumar, Chandrashekhar, Laxmikant Talwar, along with circle police inspectors PK Raju Rai and P Medappa, highlighting the coordinated approach taken by the Kodagu police force.
