Mangalore Police Trace Accused in Jewellery Businessman Abduction and Robbery Case
Mangalore: City police have apprehended five individuals in Pune, Maharashtra, suspected of involvement in the abduction and robbery of a Maharashtra-based jewellery businessman. The incident occurred near the Central Railway Station in Mangalore on August 13.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Mithun H.N. addressed the media on Tuesday at the Police Commissioner’s office, providing details on the progress of the investigation. According to DCP Mithun, the arrested individuals have confessed to their involvement in the crime during initial interrogations. They have also indicated their willingness to cooperate in recovering the stolen gold.
The victim, identified as Haribhanudas Thorat, arrived at Mangalore Central from Kanhangad, Kerala, on the morning of August 13. Mr. Thorat was in possession of 350 grams of pure gold bullion, estimated to be worth approximately Rs 3.5 million. While awaiting transportation near a hotel adjacent to the railway station, he was accosted by six unidentified individuals who arrived in an Innova vehicle.
The perpetrators, posing as customs officers, forcibly took Mr. Thorat into their vehicle. They claimed to possess information against him and stated the need for interrogation. The vehicle proceeded towards Sirsi in Kumta, located in the Uttara Kannada district, via the Udupi highway. En route, the individuals seized the gold from Mr. Thorat, subsequently abandoning him before fleeing the scene.
Mr. Thorat filed a complaint with the Kumta Police Station, which registered a Zero FIR. The case was then transferred to the Mangalore South Police Station due to jurisdictional considerations.
Under the direction of the Commissioner of Police, a joint team comprising personnel from the City Crime Branch (CCB) and the Central Sub-Division was formed to investigate the crime and apprehend the culprits. Law enforcement officials successfully traced the five accused through a combination of technical evidence and intelligence gathering.
DCP Mithun stated that the investigation remains ongoing, with authorities suspecting the involvement of additional individuals in the criminal network. The apprehended suspects will be presented before a local court, where further investigation and legal proceedings will be initiated.
