Manipal Police Dismantle Interstate House Burglary Network; Two ‘TATTO-313’ Gang Members Arrested
Manipal: In a significant breakthrough, Manipal Police dismantled an interstate house burglary network with the arrest of two alleged members of the notorious ‘TATTO-313’ gang. The arrests led to the recovery of gold ornaments and mobile phones estimated to be worth approximately Rs 7.90 lakh.
The arrests are directly linked to a house burglary reported at the residence of Mr. Amit Daniel in Manchikodi, Kunjibettu, Shivalli village, falling under the jurisdiction of the Manipal Police Station. The incident, recorded as Crime No. 15/2026, occurred between February 3 and February 4, when the complainant’s house was left unoccupied. Burglars allegedly exploited this absence, forcibly entering the premises and absconding with approximately 75 grams of gold jewellery, valued at Rs 7 lakh.
The breakthrough occurred on June 6, during a routine night patrol conducted by PSI (Investigation) Shambulingaiah and his team. Two individuals exhibiting suspicious behavior were observed near the Indrali Railway Goods Shed Road. Upon apprehension and subsequent identification, the suspects were revealed to be Darshan R. (21) of Singasandra, Bengaluru, and Chandru (26) of Basavanahalli, Davanagere district.
During interrogation, the apprehended individuals reportedly confessed to a modus operandi that involved targeting locked residences situated close to railway tracks. They admitted to forcing entry into these properties to commit thefts and were allegedly preparing to execute another burglary at the time of their apprehension. Burglary tools were discovered in their possession and subsequently seized by the authorities.
Further investigation, meticulously conducted under the supervision of Police Inspector Mahesh Prasad, corroborated the involvement of the arrested individuals in the Manipal house burglary. Following their remand into police custody, the investigative team, acting on information provided by the accused, successfully located and recovered the stolen jewellery. The items were discovered concealed within a lodge room in Shivamogga.
The recovered property comprises:
A 39.70-gram gold mangalsutra chain, with an estimated value of Rs 5.06 lakh.
A 13.30-gram gold necklace, valued at approximately Rs 1.86 lakh.
A 3.15-gram gold earring, valued at Rs 44,000.
A 3.87-gram gold chain, valued at Rs 54,000.
In total, 60 grams of gold ornaments, collectively valued at Rs 7.90 lakh, were recovered. Additionally, two mobile phones belonging to the accused were also seized.
Investigators revealed that both arrested individuals bore the distinctive “TATTO-313” tattoo on their hands, identifying them as members of a criminal syndicate operating under the same moniker. The gang is alleged to have systematically targeted locked houses near railway stations across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Their criminal activities were typically conducted under the cover of night, with perpetrators employing masks, gloves, and socks to evade identification. They also utilized iron tools to forcibly open doors.
Police authorities have indicated that the accused are implicated in numerous criminal cases registered in both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. During the ongoing investigation, their involvement in a burglary reported under the Surathkal Police Station limits in September 2025 also came to light.
Law enforcement agencies have initiated a comprehensive search operation for two additional gang members who remain at large. Further investigation into the intricate workings of this interstate burglary network is actively underway.
