Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Oct 25: The Mangaluru City South police have busted a two-wheeler theft gang, apprehending seven individuals, including three minors in conflict with the law.
The police seized nine two-wheelers, which include six stolen vehicles and three used to commit the crimes, valued at an estimated Rs 4.50 lac.
According to the police, several theft cases were reported recently across different locations.
On October 12, a KTM Duke was stolen near the Don Bosco Hostel at the Valencia junction. A Yamaha FZ was lifted near the Jeppu market on October 19. On October 21, a Bajaj Discover was stolen from in front of Durga Hotel near KMC Hospital in Attavar, and another KTM Duke was stolen from the parking area of Bhagavathi Apartment in Hoige Bazar on October 22.
Additionally, in the Ullal police station limits, a Royal Enfield Bullet was stolen near Yenepoya Medical College Hospital in Deralakatte on October 18, and a Yamaha FZ was stolen near Kuttar Pandit House on October 21.
Following these incidents, four cases were registered at the Mangaluru South police station and two at the Ullal police station.
A special team comprising the police sub-inspector and crime detection personnel of the Mangaluru South police station was formed to track down the culprits. Through detailed investigation and intelligence gathering, the team successfully apprehended the seven individuals.
The arrested adult accused have been identified as Mohammad Siyam (19) and Mohammad Rahil (18), both residents of Shivanagara in Moodushedde, Vamanjoor; Mohammad Nasif alias Nasif (19), a resident of Jokatte; and Nikhil (18), a resident of Sadashivanagara, Thiruvailu. Three other accused are minors.
During interrogation, it was revealed that the gang targeted expensive two-wheelers parked in various locations and sold them at throwaway prices. The accused resorted to these thefts to fund a lavish lifestyle and allegedly intended to use the stolen vehicles for other criminal activities such as chain snatching.
The four arrested adults have been produced before the court for further legal action.
The successful operation was conducted under the leadership of Mangaluru South police inspector Raghavendra Byndoor, along with PSI Maruti and crime branch personnel Lakshman Salotagi, Puttaram, Sagar Devakatti, and Anjaneya K S, with the cooperation of other officers and staff of the Mangaluru South police station.