Mangaluru: The Mangaluru East (Kadri) police have arrested two inter-State criminals in connection with a motorcycle theft and a chain-snatching incident, following a detailed investigation triggered by a complaint from Yeyyadi. The arrest has led to the recovery of stolen property and revealed the extensive criminal history of one of the accused, highlighting the persistent challenge posed by habitual offenders operating across districts and State borders.
Complaint leads to police action
According to the Mangaluru City Police Commissioner, Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H, the case originated from a complaint filed regarding the theft of a motorcycle that was parked at a commercial complex in Yeyyadi on December 12. The owner had reported that the vehicle was stolen during the night, prompting the Kadri Police Station to register a case and begin an investigation.
Based on technical inputs, surveillance and ground-level intelligence, the police identified two suspects believed to be involved in the theft. The investigation gained momentum as officers tracked the movements of the suspects across different locations, suspecting their involvement in other crimes as well.
Arrest of accused and recovery of stolen property
On December 16, the Mangaluru East police arrested the prime accused, Paisal alias Thota Paisal, a resident of New Thota House, Ullal, along with his associate Nithin Kumar, a resident of Paduvaralli 2nd Main Road, Vinayaka Nagar, Mysuru. The arrests were made after sustained efforts by the police team, which included close monitoring of suspected hideouts and movement patterns.
During interrogation, the accused confessed not only to the motorcycle theft in Yeyyadi but also to their involvement in a chain-snatching case reported a day later, on December 13, within the jurisdiction of the Bhatkal Rural Police Station in Uttara Kannada district.
Chain-snatching case in Bhatkal taluk
The chain-snatching incident had taken place at Gardi Hithlu in Belake village of Bhatkal taluk. The accused allegedly targeted a 70-year-old woman, Honnamma Mahadeva Naik, snatching her gold chain and fleeing the scene on a motorcycle. The incident had caused fear and concern among local residents, particularly elderly women, and police were under pressure to trace the culprits swiftly.
Following the confession, the police recovered a gold chain worth approximately ₹1.2 lakh and the motorcycle used in the crime, valued at around ₹45,000. The recoveries were made based on information provided by the accused and have been documented as part of the investigation.
Habitual offender with long criminal record
Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy revealed that Paisal is a habitual offender with an extensive criminal background. As many as 42 criminal cases have been registered against him across several police stations in Karnataka, including Udupi, Karkala, Manipal, Mangaluru, Belthangady, Vittal, Kankanady Town, Puttur, Shirva, Surathkal, Kadaba, Konaje, Kushalnagar, as well as in neighbouring Kerala.
The cases against Paisal include serious offences such as robbery, dacoity, theft and murder. More than 10 non-bailable warrants are pending against him in various courts. Police officials stated that he had been absconding for a long period by deliberately evading court appearances and changing locations frequently to avoid arrest.
Police commendation and investigation continues
The successful operation was carried out under the supervision of Mangaluru East Police Inspector Ananth Padmanabha, with Police Sub-Inspector Manohar Prasad playing a key role in the arrests and recovery of stolen property. Senior police officials have commended the team for their coordinated efforts and timely action.
The police are now investigating whether the accused were involved in other unsolved vehicle thefts and chain-snatching cases in coastal Karnataka and neighbouring districts. Efforts are also underway to trace any accomplices who may have assisted the duo in executing the crimes or disposing of stolen valuables.
Conclusion
The arrest of the two accused has brought relief to residents of Mangaluru and Bhatkal, where incidents of vehicle theft and chain-snatching have been a cause of concern. Police officials have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on repeat offenders and inter-State criminal networks. They have also urged the public to remain vigilant, secure their valuables, and promptly report suspicious activities to help law enforcement agencies prevent and detect crime effectively.