Mangaluru Police Bust Inter-District Bike Theft Ring, Four Arrested
The Kankanady city police have successfully apprehended an inter-district bike thief, Manikantha Gowda K (24), who had been targeting bikes parked at fairs, Kambala events, malls, bus stands, and railway stations. Manikantha, originally from Soraba in Shivamogga district, has been linked to the theft of over 20 two-wheelers, all of which have now been recovered by the authorities.
Arrests and Charges
In addition to Manikantha, three individuals who purchased stolen bikes from him were also arrested: Satish Bangera from Karkala, Deekshith from Moodbidri, and Sanganna Honnalli from Talikote. All four face charges related to the illegal buying and selling of vehicles without proper documentation.
Method of Theft and Scope of Operations
Manikantha had been operating not just in Mangaluru city but also across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Chikkamagaluru districts. His method of stealing bikes was both swift and skillful. As a mechanic by profession, he used his expertise to quickly remove the ignition socket plug, allowing him to steal motorcycles and scooters within seconds. His preferred targets were Hero Honda Splendor bikes and Activa scooters, which are known for their high resale value.
Theft Locations and Recovery
The stolen bikes were often sold at low prices, and many of the bikes were found hidden in Moodbidri. Investigations revealed that Manikantha had been involved in 20 bike theft cases, with 15 cases under the jurisdiction of the Bunder, Pandeshwar, Bajpe, Mulki, Ullal, and Kankanady city police stations in Mangaluru, and 5 cases under the Bantwal Town, Bantwal Rural, and Uppinangady police stations.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The police tracked down Manikantha based on a bike theft case registered at the Kankanady city police station. After his arrest, all four accused were produced before the court and have been remanded to judicial custody.
This successful bust of a bike theft ring serves as a reminder of the swift action taken by law enforcement in tackling crime across the region. The police continue their efforts to ensure the recovery of stolen property and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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