Mangaluru: The police have arrested an absconding accused in connection with the robbery at the Kotekar Vyavasaya Seva Sahakara Sangha on K C Road that took place in January 2025. The accused had remained on the run for several months before being traced and apprehended by a specially constituted police team.
Special team tracks down accused
The arrested individual has been identified as Dharmabeer Birendra Singh, also known as Dharmaveer Singh. Following the robbery, he had evaded arrest, prompting the police to launch an intensive manhunt. A special team was formed to gather intelligence and track his movements across different states.
Acting on credible information provided by informants, the team successfully located the accused near Panvel railway station in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and took him into custody on May 11.
Multiple aliases used to evade police
Investigators revealed that the 34-year-old accused is originally from Surat and had been operating under several aliases. Apart from Dharmabeer Birendra Singh and Dharmaveer Singh, he was also known as Manoj Jeet Lal Verma, Dharm, Master and Kallu.
Police believe the use of multiple identities helped him avoid detection while remaining absconding after the robbery. Officials are continuing their investigation to determine whether he was involved in other criminal activities under these aliases.
Taken into police custody for interrogation
Following his arrest, the accused was brought to the Ullal police station on May 12 and produced before the court. Investigating officers secured a 10-day police custody period to conduct detailed questioning and gather further information related to the robbery case.
During the custody period, police interrogated the accused regarding his role in the crime, possible accomplices and the circumstances surrounding the robbery at the cooperative institution.
Remanded to judicial custody
After the completion of police custody, the accused was produced before the court again on May 22. The court subsequently remanded him to judicial custody.
Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudhir Kumar Reddy confirmed the development and stated that the investigation into the robbery case is continuing. Police officials are examining all aspects of the case and are expected to take further action based on the findings of the interrogation.
Investigation continues
The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the Kotekar Vyavasaya Seva Sahakara Sangha robbery case, which had remained under investigation since January 2025. With the apprehension of the absconding accused, investigators hope to uncover additional details about the planning and execution of the robbery.
Police have reiterated their commitment to pursuing offenders who attempt to evade the law and ensuring that all those involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.