Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, May 31: In a coordinated interstate operation, Goa Police assisted Kerala Police in apprehending a habitual offender accused of cheating a jewellery shop owner in Kerala's Kasargod district and fleeing with gold ornaments worth several lakhs.
According to a statement issued by Goa Police, a case was registered at Bakel Police Station on May 27 after the accused allegedly entered a jewellery shop, selected gold ornaments including rings and a necklace, and produced a fake online payment confirmation before escaping with the valuables.
Acting on intelligence shared by Kerala Police, the Goa Crime Branch launched a search operation after learning that the suspect frequently travelled to Goa and indulged in leisure activities after committing such offences.
The operation was led by Crime Branch Inspector Dattaguru Sawant along with Assistant Sub-Inspector Dinesh Pikulkar and Head Constable Sandeep Madkaikar. They were assisted by personnel from Calangute Police Station, including Head Constable Vidyanand Amonkar and police constables Ganpat Tiloji and Amir Garad.
Police teams conducted searches at multiple locations in Panaji and Calangute while gathering intelligence about the accused's movements. Investigators found that the suspect often visited casinos and party venues after carrying out such crimes.
Based on this information, Goa Police alerted the management of casinos and party clubs across North Goa and maintained surveillance at potential locations.
On May 30, police received information about the accused's presence at a party venue in Calangute. A team immediately rushed to the spot and successfully apprehended him after verifying his identity.
Kerala Police officers, who were present in Goa during the operation, recovered the stolen gold ornaments from the accused and subsequently took him into custody for further investigation.
A senior IPS officer from Kerala Police, who personally supervised the case, commended the professionalism, integrity and swift assistance provided by Goa Police in tracing and arresting the accused.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (Crime) Rahul Gupta.