Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Jun 19: Police circle inspector, Anil S Kulkarni, informed journalists at a press conference held at B C Road here on Tuesday June 18, that the policemen of the town police station here have re-arrested a gang of four thieves. These thieves are additionally facing the allegation of cutting off and stealing copper cables belonging to BSNL from various parts of the taluk. The policemen have also succeeded in seizing copper cables worth Rs 2.70 lac from their possession.

It may be recalled that on June 11, three persons, identified as Ummer Farooq from Kolake in Sajeepamooda village, Mohammed Shaqir from Adyarpadavu, and Santu alias Santosh Salian from Mugdlagudde Bantwal, had been arrested on the charge of stealing over 60 cell phones from shops in B C Road and Melkar. The gang had also allegedy stolen copper utensils worth thousands of rupees from a shop in Panemangalore.

The main accused, Abdul Nasir from Kolake in Sajeepamooda, who had succeeded in evading arrest initially, was arrested later. He happens to be the brother of one of the accused, Ummer Farooq. Santosh Salian, who owns an auto rickshaw, reportedly helped the thieves to transport the stolen goods.

The policemen said that the members ofthe gang, who are now found to have been involved with copper cable theft, had also spread their operations to Uppinangady, Konaje, Bajpe and other places. Kulkarni said that the gang is facing 13 cases including theft of betel nut and LPG gas cylinder.

Town police station in-charge, Shekhar, assistant sub-inspector, Kepu Gowda, rural stationhouse officer, Mahesh Prasad, Vittal station house officer, Madhav S Koodlu, and other personnel were present at the press conference.