Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, June 1: In a swift breakthrough, Hebri police have cracked a high-value jewellery theft case worth nearly Rs 60 lac reported from a residence near SRS School in Ananthanagar under Hebri police station limits, arresting three accused and recovering a significant portion of the stolen property.

On May 24, 2026, while the family of Keerthana Prabhu was asleep, unidentified persons allegedly broke into the house through a rear window, forced open a Godrej cupboard locker, and decamped with gold, silver and diamond ornaments valued at approximately Rs 59.77 lac.

Acting on directions from Udupi superintendent of police Hariram Shankar, IPS, and under the guidance of additional superintendent of police Sudhakar S Nayak, a special investigation team was constituted under the supervision of Karkala sub-division DySP S Vijayaprasad.

Following sustained investigation, police arrested Ramdeen Saleem from Kasargod, Harish Shetty from Moodbidri, and Mohammad Safwan from Kasargod district. Officials have recovered gold and silver ornaments worth around Rs 37.87 lac, along with a Maruti Alto car valued around Rs 4 lac, from their possession.

One more accused remains at large, and efforts are on to trace him and recover the remaining stolen jewellery.

Police teams from Hebri, Karkala Rural, Shirva, Padubidri and Ajekar stations took part in the coordinated operation. Technical support from the CDR unit of the Udupi District police office, the District Fingerprint Unit and other forensic staff proved crucial in cracking the case.

Investigators said accused Ramdeen Saleem has prior involvement in serious offences, including a murder case in Uttara Kannada district and a theft case registered at Manipal police station. Harish Shetty also has antecedents involving attempted murder, drug consumption and assault cases.