Ullal: The recent robbery at the KC Road branch of the Kotekar Vyavasaya Seva Shakara Sangha has left investigators grappling with one crucial question: Who was the Kannada-speaking person seen waiting outside the bank, aiding the robbers? Despite the arrest of three suspects, the identity and role of this individual remain a mystery.
Police Probe Continues
The police have confirmed the arrest of three suspects, all of whom are Tamil Nadu-origin robbers based in Mumbai. Preliminary investigations suggest that the gang might have included more members.
Mangaluru Police Commissioner has stated that such crimes are unlikely without local assistance, hinting at the possible involvement of locals. The arrested suspects are expected to reveal more details about the Kannada-speaking accomplice during interrogation.
Was the Accomplice Local?
The police are examining whether criminals from other districts of Karnataka collaborated with the gang or if non-Kannada speakers used some Kannada words to mislead witnesses and disperse bystanders. The search for the local facilitator remains a priority.
Switching Number Plates
Information gathered from a toll gate played a crucial role in identifying and arresting the suspects. Five individuals departed from Mumbai in a Maharashtra-registered car around 1:30 PM on Thursday. The car passed through the Hejamadi toll gate in Udupi early Friday morning with the original Maharashtra number plate.
However, by the time the robbers reached Mangaluru-Suratkal, the car bore a Bengaluru-registered number plate. CCTV footage from Thokkottu to Kallapu confirms the car’s journey along the highway towards Talapady around 11:30 AM.
A Deliberate Delay
The robbers, travelling from Kallapu to KC Road, opted for interior routes instead of the highway to avoid drawing attention. A journey that typically takes 10 minutes stretched to 90 minutes. They eventually reached a secluded area near Alankaragudde, where they planned their operation.
Post-robbery, the car passed through the Talapady toll gate with a changed number plate. While only two suspects were in the car, the other four dispersed using separate vehicles to reach their respective locations.
Key Suspects’ Movements
Murugandi Thevar and Yosuva Rajendran, two of the main suspects, were the only individuals who traveled from Talapady to Tirunelveli in the getaway car.
Based on the original number plate spotted at the Hejamadi toll gate, the police tracked the suspects. While one team proceeded to Mumbai, two other teams mapped the car’s route to Tirunelveli.
CCTV footage confirmed the car’s movement until Tiruchirappalli, where the suspects switched mobile numbers to evade detection. The suspects were caught while planning their next move.
The Mystery of Kannan Mani
Sources reveal that Kannan Mani, another suspect, did not travel to Mangaluru in the car. Instead, he reportedly joined the gang by train. Post-robbery, Mani is believed to have taken a lift on a bike from Talapady to Mangaluru railway station. He either boarded a train to Mumbai or proceeded to Tirunelveli, which remains unclear.
However, police sources suggest he traveled to Mumbai and then to Tirunelveli, where he was apprehended. Mani reportedly attempted to escape during a mahazar in Mangaluru, leading to a police shooting him in the leg.
Car Serviced in Surathkal
Before the robbery, the robbers had their Maharashtra-registered car serviced at a garage near Surathkal. Mechanics confirmed that the car was in good condition. CCTV footage from a garage near Marigudi captured the car being repaired and leaving the premises.
Police Surveillance
The Surathkal police, in collaboration with private entities, have direct access to all CCTV footage in the area. This network played a vital role in tracing the car’s movement to the garage near Marigudi, aiding in the ongoing investigation.