Mangaluru: In a dramatic case of abduction and robbery, a Kerala-based gold trader was kidnapped in Mangaluru and looted of 350 grams of gold worth around ₹35 lakh.
The victim, Srihari, a jewellery shop owner from Kerala, arrived at Mangaluru Central Railway Station around 7 am on Wednesday, carrying the gold bar. After stepping out and waiting for an auto near Kairali Hotel, a group in an Innova car approached him, posing as customs officials. They forced him inside under the pretext of inspection.
When Srihari resisted, he was overpowered and pushed into the vehicle. The gang then drove towards Udupi and Kumta–Sirsi, before robbing him of the gold. He was later abandoned at Antravalli village in Sirsi. Shocked, Srihari returned to Mangaluru and filed a complaint at Pandeshwar police station.
Investigators suspect that people aware of Srihari’s business and travel details may have orchestrated the crime. Police have reportedly obtained strong leads about the gang and are confident of arrests soon.
The robbers used a BH registration (Bharat Series) vehicle, which allows interstate movement without re-registration. Authorities are now probing whether the number plate was genuine or fake and tracing the vehicle’s ownership.
Police assured that efforts are underway to identify and nab the culprits behind the daring heist.