Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 10: Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal has called for the widespread installation of CCTV cameras following a series of thefts by the 'Chaddi Gang' in the Kodical and Kotekani areas. In the past four days, the gang has committed two thefts by entering houses after cutting the grill. At Kodical, they escaped with Rs 10,000 in cash.
After the incident at Kodical, a search operation was initiated to apprehend the gang. On July 9, in the early morning, the gang broke into a house in Kotekani in a similar manner. They threatened an elderly couple, stole jewellery, wristwatches worth Rs one lac, and damaged three mobile phones. The gang fled with a car, which was later abandoned in Mulky. CCTV footage revealed that they travelled back to Mangaluru by KSRTC. With the help of the KSRTC driver and conductor, the police identified the suspects heading towards Bengaluru, said police commissioner Anupam Agrawal.
The police then contacted the Hassan SP and Sakleshpur division DySP, resulting in the suspects' arrest at Sakleshpur. The stolen property was found intact with the suspects.
On July 10, during an inspection near Mulky, the suspects, Raju Singhania and Bali, attempted to escape after pushing aside an assistant sub-inspector and a constable. In response, the police shot them in the leg as a precautionary measure. ASI Vinay and PC Sharath were injured and are currently receiving treatment, informed Anupam Agrawal.
Raju Singhania is a habitual offender with more than 10 cases across the country, and Mayur also has multiple cases against him nationwide. The police suspect that the ‘Chaddi Gang’ comprises a large team, as previous attempts to apprehend them in Madhya Pradesh were challenging.
The police commissioner emphasized the crucial role CCTV footage played in solving recent cases. He urged the public to install CCTV cameras in their residences and ensure comprehensive coverage of their property. There are over 25,000 CCTV cameras installed for public safety, but some are not functioning. The police are working to ensure all cameras are operational to cover every blind spot.
Agrawal highlighted the importance of proper installation, including pixel quality, night vision, and DVR protection. He noted that some people switch off their CCTV cameras at night, resulting in only live visuals without recordings. Proper positioning of the cameras is also essential.
He advised that households with elderly couples or those temporarily unoccupied should inform the local police station so that a beat system can be deployed in the area.
Regarding the Ulaibettu case, the Agrawal stated that the investigation is progressing well and the team is in Telangana.
As a reward for cracking the ‘Chaddi Gang’ case, the police commissioner declared Rs 50,000 cash reward for the investigating team led by inspector Bharathi of the Urwa police. Similarly, Rs 50,000 cash reward will be given to the investigating team led by ACP Dhanya Nayak for their work on the Ulaibettu case.