Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jan 26: Murugendi Thevar, who masterminded the robbery at the Kotekar Bank’s K C Road branch here, was not only a criminal but also someone drawn to the allure of a luxurious lifestyle. Involved in several criminal cases, he had previously committed two major robberies.
Having lived in Mumbai for about 35 years, Thevar rented out two cars through a corporate rental service in Mumbai and even owned a travel agency. Leading a lavish lifestyle in his native town, Tirunelveli, he resided in a spacious house equipped with air conditioning.
Fortune favoured him
Thevar had assembled his own team and carried out a gold jewellery robbery at Popular Finance in Mumbai in 2017. Months later, he was caught, but some of the stolen gold was recovered only partially as the robbers had shared it among themselves.
The accused were jailed. Later, Thevar carried out another robbery in the Union Territory of Daman. Now, he had committed his third major robbery on K C Road. However, due to the swift action of Mangaluru police, Murugendi was soon apprehended and sent to jail.
Local connection?
Mumbai police are currently on the lookout for two remaining robbers. Murugendi Thevar and Yosuva Rajendran were taken into custody for questioning on Saturday, and important information is being gathered.
Meanwhile, descriptions of a local person, believed to be connected to the robbers, are being obtained. The main suspect had destroyed a mobile phone, and investigators are showing images of local criminals involved in similar cases.
Police are closely tracking the suspects based on descriptions provided by the robbers, and they are working hard to gather solid information on the mastermind behind the robberies.
Six accused, including the mastermind?
According to current information from the police, based on statements from witnesses and bank officials, the robbery team consisted of five members, with two of them yet to be arrested. Additionally, one more suspect's whereabouts have been traced to a northern state.
In Tamil Nadu, the anti-drug team led by ACP Dhanya Nayak, along with Crime Branch officers and Inspector Mahesh Prasad, played an active role in the investigation and apprehension of the criminals.