Puttur: Uppinangady police arrested two members of an alleged inter-district gang red-handed while they were attempting to steal diesel from a tanker parked along National Highway 75 near Alampadi Cross in Kaukrady village.
The arrested have been identified as Jaimutha, 23, and Muthu, 28, both residents of Thoppanahalli village in Maddur taluk of Mandya district. Their alleged accomplice, Mahadeva T K, 27, from the same village, escaped during the police operation.
The arrests come after a series of diesel theft incidents involving vehicles parked along the highway within the Uppinangady police station limits. The repeated thefts had become a concern for drivers and vehicle owners, prompting police to step up night patrols in the area.
Suspicious vehicle spotted near tanker
The breakthrough came during a night patrol on Wednesday when police personnel noticed a Bolero pickup vehicle parked suspiciously near a tanker at Alampadi Cross.
The patrol team approached the vehicle to make inquiries. On seeing the police, three individuals allegedly fled from the spot.
The police immediately gave chase. After pursuing the suspects, personnel managed to catch two of them, while the third person escaped.
The two arrested suspects were subsequently questioned by the police regarding their presence near the tanker and the suspicious circumstances surrounding the vehicle.
Accused allegedly confess to diesel theft
During interrogation, the duo reportedly confessed that they had gone to the location with the intention of stealing diesel from the tanker.
According to the police, the arrested individuals also admitted to being involved in similar diesel thefts on several occasions in the past.
Their alleged confession has given investigators important leads in connection with the series of diesel theft incidents reported from the highway under the Uppinangady police limits.
Police are now investigating whether the gang was involved in other similar cases reported along the highway and whether additional persons were part of the operation.
40 plastic cans seized
The police recovered equipment allegedly being used by the gang to steal and transport diesel.
As many as 40 plastic cans, each having a capacity of 35 litres, were seized from the accused. One of the cans was found to contain around 20 litres of diesel suspected to have been stolen from the tanker.
A rubber pipe allegedly used to extract fuel from vehicle tanks was also recovered.
In addition, police seized a tarpaulin and the Bolero pickup vehicle allegedly used by the suspects.
The recovery of the large number of fuel containers and equipment has strengthened the police suspicion that the accused were involved in organised diesel theft rather than an isolated attempt.
Night patrol intensified after repeated thefts
Uppinangady police had intensified night patrolling in the area following continuous reports of diesel being stolen from vehicles parked along the highway.
Heavy vehicles and tankers frequently halt along highways during the night, making them vulnerable to fuel theft. Such incidents can result in financial losses for vehicle operators and create additional concerns for drivers who depend on safe parking areas during long-distance journeys.
The police patrols were therefore increased to identify suspicious activity and prevent further thefts.
The operation at Alampadi Cross demonstrates the importance of intensified surveillance along highway stretches where vehicles regularly stop during the night.
Inter-district link under investigation
The arrest of the suspects from Mandya district has brought an inter-district dimension to the investigation.
Both arrested persons, as well as the escaped suspect, are natives of Thoppanahalli village in Maddur taluk. Police are now examining their movements and alleged activities in the region.
Investigators are also expected to verify the claims regarding their involvement in earlier diesel theft cases.
The escape of Mahadeva T K has prompted police efforts to trace him. His arrest could provide further information about the alleged gang’s activities and the extent of its operations.
Case registered at Uppinangady station
Uppinangady Police Sub-Inspector Sutesh confirmed that a case has been registered at the Uppinangady police station and that further investigation is underway.
The police are examining the seized vehicle, fuel containers and other materials as part of the investigation. Officials are also expected to establish the connection between the arrested suspects and earlier diesel theft incidents reported in the jurisdiction.
The operation has provided relief to highway drivers who had been facing repeated diesel thefts from parked vehicles. The arrests are also expected to strengthen police efforts to identify and prevent similar incidents on National Highway 75.
The investigation will now focus on tracing the escaped suspect, verifying the accused persons’ alleged involvement in previous thefts and determining whether the gang operated across other highway locations.