Mangaluru: Ullal police have arrested a 29-year-old man in connection with the theft of an autorickshaw that had been parked on Bhagavathi Road in Chota Mangaluru. The stolen vehicle has been successfully recovered, bringing relief to the owner and local residents who had expressed concern over vehicle thefts in residential areas.
The arrested accused has been identified as Muhammad Shazil (29), a resident of Akkarekere. Police confirmed that the autorickshaw was recovered from his possession following sustained investigation and tracking by the Ullal police team.
Theft reported from Chota Mangaluru
According to the complaint filed with the police, Narendra Kumar, a resident of Chota Mangaluru, had parked his autorickshaw outside the compound of his house on Bhagavathi Road on the night of December 13. The vehicle was reportedly parked at its usual spot and securely locked before the owner retired for the night.
However, when Narendra Kumar came out the next morning, he found that the autorickshaw was missing. After making initial enquiries in the neighbourhood and confirming that the vehicle had not been moved by anyone known to him, he approached the Ullal police to lodge a formal complaint.
“I discovered the vehicle missing the following morning,” the complainant told the police, stating that the autorickshaw was his primary source of livelihood.
Case registered and investigation launched
Based on the complaint, Ullal police registered a case on December 19 and launched an investigation. Officers collected details about the vehicle, examined the scene of the crime and began gathering information from nearby residents and possible witnesses.
Police also checked CCTV footage from surrounding areas and monitored known routes used for transporting stolen vehicles. These efforts helped narrow down potential leads and identify the suspect involved in the theft.
Accused traced and vehicle recovered
Following the investigation, the police traced the accused and arrested Muhammad Shazil. During questioning, the stolen autorickshaw was recovered from his possession and brought back into police custody.
Police sources stated that the recovery was made without damage to the vehicle, enabling it to be returned to the rightful owner after completion of legal formalities. The swift recovery has been appreciated by local residents, who said such action helps deter similar offences.
Police caution vehicle owners
Ullal police have once again urged vehicle owners to take precautionary measures, especially when parking vehicles overnight in residential areas. Officers advised the use of additional locks, parking in well-lit areas and, where possible, installing basic tracking or alarm systems to reduce the risk of theft.
Police officials stated that routine night patrols are being conducted in vulnerable localities and that quick reporting of thefts significantly improves the chances of recovery.
Conclusion: The arrest of the accused and recovery of the stolen autorickshaw underline the effectiveness of prompt police investigation in Ullal. While the incident serves as a reminder for vehicle owners to remain vigilant, the successful detection of the case has reinforced public confidence in local policing efforts.