Team Mangalorean - Beltangady
from Avinash Ujire

Beltangady: In a major operation, the police from here on Tuesday arrested seven persons engaged in looting pilgrims visiting Dharmasthala. Articles worth Rs 5 lakh and a Tavera vehicle have been seized from them.

They have been identified as Kamala Parvati (65), Lakkavva aka Lakshmamma (45), Tippavva (35), Sharada (24), Suresh Soma Readdy Kudaganti (28), Srinivas aka Sheenu (32) and Maulana Saab (35), all hailing from Betageri taluk in Gadag district. Of them, Lakkavva and Sharada are said to be mother and daughter.

They have been reportedly going around town in a Tavera vehicle, giving the look of a respectable group, and looting unarmed visitors, esp., near the Netravati bathing point in Dharmasthala. They have been suspected to have looted pilgrims from near temples elsewhere. Further details would be available after a thorough investigation.

Articles seized from them included, besides the vehicle, a variety of gold ornaments, Rs 32,000 in cash, four mobile phones and others.

SI Yogish Kumar arrested the gang from the bathing spot. On Tuesday night they were produced at the residence of the local magistrate and the police have sought their custody for further investigation.