In a major breakthrough, Mangaluru police have successfully arrested the mastermind behind the bold robbery at the Kotekar Cooperative Agricultural Society, recovering the stolen gold and cash.
The prime suspect, 69-year-old Bhaskar Belchapada, also known as Shashi Tewar, was captured on February 24 at the Bengaluru Railway Station. During interrogation, Bhaskar, a seasoned criminal, disclosed that he had collaborated with Mohammed Nazir, a 50-year-old local insider, to plan the heist meticulously over six months. Nazir, with his in-depth knowledge of the cooperative’s operations, played a crucial role by providing vital information about the building’s structure, staff schedules, and escape routes.
After Bhaskar’s arrest, police arrested Nazir on February 25, following a technical analysis that linked him to the crime. Both suspects were pivotal in executing the robbery, which involved the theft of gold and cash valued in crores.
Bhaskar, a resident of Kanyan, Bantwal, had spent 25 years in Mumbai and had a lengthy criminal record, including previous robbery and extortion charges in cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Ullal.
The arrests were made under the leadership of Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal, with Ullal Police Inspector T D Nagaraj overseeing the operation, supported by Sub-inspector Sheetal Alagoor and their team. The investigation is still ongoing as authorities continue to uncover more about the gang’s criminal activities.
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