Beltangady: The Dharmasthala Police have arrested the second accused in a 2017 highway robbery case, who had been absconding after failing to appear before the court.
The accused, identified as Mani alias Manikanta (32), a resident of Banashankari, was apprehended by a police team following a targeted operation in Bengaluru.
Arrest after years on the run
According to police, the case dates back to 2017 when a lorry was intercepted and looted on a national highway at Rekhya village. The incident had led to the registration of a criminal case, and multiple accused were identified during the investigation.
While other developments took place in the case over the years, Mani had failed to appear before the Beltangady court and had been absconding, prompting authorities to intensify efforts to trace him.
Police operation in Bengaluru
Acting on credible information, a team led by Dharmasthala Police Sub-Inspector Samartha R Ganigere tracked the accused to Bengaluru. He was arrested near the Banashankari Market area after careful surveillance.
The police then brought him before the Puttur court for legal proceedings.
Judicial custody ordered
Following his production in court, the judge remanded the accused to judicial custody. Further investigation and legal procedures in connection with the 2017 robbery case are expected to continue.
Conclusion
The arrest marks a significant step in resolving a long-pending case and highlights continued efforts by law enforcement to track down absconding accused, even years after the crime.