Mangaluru: Surathkal police have arrested three persons in connection with a house burglary reported from Mukka Mithrapatna, in which gold ornaments and cash were stolen from the residence of an elderly woman. The theft took place on December 3, and the arrests mark a significant breakthrough in the case, with police recovering gold jewellery worth ₹4.43 lakh along with other materials used in the crime.

The victim, identified as Jalaja, had lodged a complaint stating that her house was broken into while she was away, and gold ornaments along with cash were stolen. Acting swiftly on the complaint, Surathkal police registered a case and launched an investigation to trace those responsible.

Accused identified and arrested

The arrested accused have been identified as Shine H Putran alias Shayan alias Shine (21), a resident of Guddekopla, Surathkal; Vinod alias Kothi alias Vinod Kumar (33), a resident of Yelachenahalli, Bengaluru; and Girish alias Cycle Giri (28), a resident of Udipalya on Kanakapura Main Road, Bengaluru.

Police said the accused operated in a planned manner, targeting the house of an elderly woman and making away with gold ornaments and cash. The crime caused concern among residents of the locality, particularly senior citizens living alone.

CCTV footage leads to breakthrough

Following the registration of the case, a special police team led by Surathkal police sub-inspector Raghu Naik analysed CCTV footage from areas surrounding the victim’s house. The footage provided crucial leads, helping police identify movements linked to the burglary.

Based on the CCTV analysis and subsequent interrogation, Shine H Putran was taken into custody. During questioning, he confessed to his involvement in the burglary and revealed that the crime was committed along with Jason alias Lenson of Karkala in Udupi district.

Shine further disclosed that the stolen gold ornaments were transported and sold in Bengaluru, leading police to expand the investigation beyond Dakshina Kannada district.

Recovery of stolen property

Acting on the information provided by the accused, police arrested Vinod Kumar and Girish alias Cycle Giri in Bengaluru. During the operation, police recovered gold ornaments worth ₹4.43 lakh, the motorcycle used for committing the burglary, three mobile phones and ₹3,000 in cash.

Police officials said the recovery of a major portion of the stolen property has brought relief to the victim and strengthened the case against the accused.

One accused absconding

Jason alias Lenson, who is alleged to have directly participated in the burglary along with Shine H Putran, is currently absconding. Police teams have been formed to trace him, and efforts are underway to arrest him at the earliest.

Officials said raids are being conducted at suspected hideouts, and technical surveillance has been intensified to track his movements.

Criminal background of the accused

Police revealed that the arrested accused have criminal antecedents. Shine H Putran has a previous case related to ganja consumption registered at Surathkal police station.

Vinod Kumar is a known offender with a rowdy sheet opened against him at KSR Layout police station in Bengaluru. He is involved in multiple criminal cases, including murder, attempt to murder, robbery, criminal intimidation, ganja sale and violations under the Arms Act.

Girish alias Cycle Giri also has a rowdy sheet at Kaggalipura police station in Bengaluru and faces several cases related to attempt to murder, robbery and assault registered across different police stations in the city.

Police warning and assurance

Senior police officials said strict action will be taken against habitual offenders involved in property crimes. They also urged residents, especially senior citizens, to take safety precautions such as installing CCTV cameras, securing doors and informing neighbours when leaving homes unattended.

With the arrests and recovery, police said the investigation is progressing well, and further action will follow once the absconding accused is traced. The case highlights the importance of surveillance and coordinated police work in tackling organised burglary cases in the region.