Mangaluru Police Crack Down on Serial Bag Thief, Seize Gold Worth Rs 6.5 Lakh
In a significant breakthrough, the Barke police of Mangaluru city have successfully apprehended an interdistrict thief responsible for a series of bag thefts at bus stands across the region. The arrest led to the recovery of gold jewellery valued at approximately Rs 6.5 lakh from the suspect's possession.
Details of the Arrest and Recovery
The suspect, identified as Mohammed Imran NM, aged 44, from Madikeri, was arrested following an intensive investigation. According to City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH, the police not only seized the gold jewellery weighing 46.3 grams but also confiscated Rs 5,000 in cash. This operation marks a crucial step in curbing theft activities in public transport hubs.
Incident That Triggered the Investigation
The investigation was initiated after a theft incident on January 23 at around 7 pm at the KSRTC bus stand in Bejai. Two women passengers and a senior citizen, seated in a bus bound for Bengaluru, fell victim to unknown miscreants who stole a trolley bag. The bag contained approximately 45 grams of gold ornaments and Rs 20,000 in cash. Based on a formal complaint, a case was registered at the Barke police station under Section 303(2) (theft) of the BNS, prompting a thorough probe.
Police Action and Team Efforts
A special team was swiftly formed under the guidance of the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Central Subdivision, with PSI Vinayak Toragal leading the investigation. The team's diligent efforts culminated in the arrest of the suspect near the Mangaluru Central railway station on Wednesday. Following his arrest, the suspect was produced before a court on Thursday, which subsequently remanded him in judicial custody.
Suspect's Criminal History and Modus Operandi
Police investigations revealed that the suspect is a habitual offender with a specific modus operandi: targeting bags containing valuables at bus stands. A total of 11 cases have been registered against him, including bag theft cases at various police stations such as:
- Dudda
- Komanur
- Hassan Extension
- Hassan City
- Channarayapatna Town
- Devarajnagar police station in Mysuru
Additionally, the suspect is involved in house theft cases registered at:
- Shantigrama police station
- Hassan Extension police station
- Dudda police station in Hassan
Further complicating his legal troubles, the suspect had previously obtained bail in a house theft case in Hassan but failed to appear before the court for hearings. This non-compliance led to a warrant being issued against him, highlighting his persistent evasion of the law.
Implications and Police Statement
This arrest underscores the Mangaluru police's commitment to tackling theft and ensuring public safety in crowded areas like bus stands. The recovery of substantial valuables not only brings relief to the victims but also serves as a deterrent to potential offenders. Authorities have emphasized the importance of vigilance among travelers and the continuous efforts to apprehend such serial criminals to maintain law and order in the city.
