Mangaluru: Police have arrested an interstate theft accused from Tamil Nadu in connection with a burglary reported at Sri Ramanjaneya Temple in Kenjaru village under Bajpe police station limits. The accused has been identified as Shabik Ahmed Sheikh Abdul Khader (25), a native of Dindigul district.
According to police officials, the theft took place on March 3, 2026, when the accused allegedly broke open the temple door during the night, entered the premises, and targeted the donation boxes. He reportedly smashed three hundis and fled with approximately ₹25,000 in cash.
Swift police action leads to arrest
Following the incident, a case was registered at Bajpe police station, prompting the formation of a special investigation team. Acting on credible leads, the police tracked down the accused and arrested him on March 31.
During interrogation, Shabik is said to have confessed to committing the theft. Police also confirmed that one of the stolen hundis has been recovered as part of the investigation.
Links to multiple theft cases uncovered
Further inquiry revealed that the accused was allegedly involved in additional criminal activities across the coastal region. Police sources stated that he is linked to a theft case registered at Brahmavar police station in Udupi district.
In addition, he is suspected to be connected to a motorcycle theft reported in the Thokur–Jokatte area under Panambur police station limits in the last week of February.
These developments indicate a pattern of repeated offences, raising concerns about interstate theft networks operating in the region.
Modus operandi traced
Investigators revealed that the accused followed a consistent modus operandi. He would travel from Tamil Nadu to coastal Karnataka by train, identify vulnerable locations such as temples, carry out thefts, and quickly return to his native place to evade detection.
Police officials noted that such patterns are increasingly being observed in interstate theft cases, making coordinated intelligence-sharing crucial for effective law enforcement.
Police team credited for operation
The successful operation was carried out by a team led by Bajpe Police Inspector Balakrishna, along with staff members Nuthan, Rajesh, and Prakash. Their coordinated efforts and timely action were instrumental in apprehending the accused and recovering key evidence.
Judicial custody and ongoing investigation
After his arrest, the accused was produced before a local court, which remanded him to judicial custody. Police have stated that further investigation is underway to determine whether he was involved in other similar offences in the region.
Officials are also working to trace any potential accomplices and recover additional stolen property, if any.
Conclusion
The arrest has brought relief to local residents and temple authorities in Kenjaru village. However, the case has also highlighted the need for heightened vigilance and security measures at religious institutions. With investigations continuing, police aim to uncover the full extent of the accused activities and prevent similar incidents in the future.