Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Feb 25: In a major breakthrough, Mangaluru police have arrested the mastermind behind the daring robbery at Kotekar Cooperative Agricultural Society, uncovering gold and cash stolen in the heist.
The key suspect, 69-year-old Bhaskar Belchapada (alias Shashi Tewar), was apprehended on February 24 at the Bengaluru Railway Station.
Bhaskar, a long-time criminal, revealed during questioning that he had partnered with Mohammed Nazir (50), a local insider, to meticulously plan the robbery over six months. Nazir, who had detailed knowledge of the cooperative's operations, helped the gang by providing crucial information on the building’s layout, staff routines, and escape routes.
Following Bhaskar’s arrest, police detained Nazir on February 25, after technical analysis linked him to the crime. Both suspects were key figures in executing the robbery.
Basher, a resident of Kanyan, Bantwal, had been living in Mumbai for 25 years, with a lengthy criminal history that includes previous robbery and extortion charges in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Ullal.
The arrests were made under the guidance of police commissioner Anupam Agarwal, with the operation led by Ullal police inspector T D Nagaraj, assisted by Sub-inspector Sheetal Alagoor and their team. The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to gather more details on the gang’s activities.