Kochi: In a shocking case of daylight robbery, a gang of three unidentified men allegedly looted ₹80 lakh from a wholesale steel trading firm in Kundannur on Wednesday. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. when the accused reportedly held the shop employees at gunpoint before fleeing the scene.
Robbery at steel trading firm
According to police reports, the robbery took place at a wholesale steel trading shop owned by a man named Subin. The gang, wearing masks, entered the shop and threatened employees with guns and swords. The victims were forced to hand over the cash before the suspects escaped in a car.
Mr. Subin told the police that he had withdrawn the amount from a nearby bank earlier in the day to purchase raw materials for his business. “They brandished guns and swords at us and took away the cash. I had withdrawn the cash from the bank to purchase raw materials,” he said.
Acquaintance detained for questioning
Following the complaint filed by Mr. Subin, the Maradu police launched a full-scale investigation into the robbery. The police have detained an acquaintance of the shop owner in connection with the case.
A police source said the detained individual, a native of Vaduthala, was present at the shop during the incident. “We have taken him into custody for questioning as he was at the scene and could have had prior knowledge of the cash transaction,” the officer said.
CCTV footage and car search underway
The robbers reportedly fled the scene in a car with a masked number plate, making identification difficult. Police officials have begun tracking the vehicle using CCTV footage collected from the surrounding areas.
“We are analysing all CCTV visuals available near the shop and nearby roads to trace the vehicle used in the crime,” a senior officer said, adding that efforts are underway to determine the gang’s route and possible hideout locations.
The police suspect that the accused had prior information about the large cash transaction and planned the heist in advance. Teams have been deployed to check nearby toll booths and surveillance points to identify the vehicle’s movement.
Investigation continues
Officers from the Maradu police station and the city’s crime branch are jointly investigating the case. Forensic experts have also been called in to inspect the premises for potential evidence such as fingerprints or discarded objects.
As of now, no arrests have been made apart from the preliminary detention for questioning. Police sources said all possible angles, including insider involvement, are being explored.
The robbery has sent shockwaves through the commercial community in the area, with traders urging authorities to enhance police patrols and security systems around business establishments handling large cash transactions.