Mangaluru: Mangaluru police have announced a reward for anyone providing credible information leading to the arrest of the accused involved in the high-profile robbery of a gold trader near Baikampady. As part of the intensified investigation, police have released photographs of the absconding suspects and appealed to the public to assist in tracing them.
Photographs of accused released
The robbery, which occurred in the early hours of June 29, had created widespread concern in Mangaluru. With the key suspects still absconding, police have stepped up efforts by circulating their photographs across Karnataka and Kerala.
Officials said the identity of anyone providing credible information would be kept strictly confidential and suitable rewards would be offered for assistance leading to the arrest of the accused.
The photographs are being displayed at public places and circulated through various channels as part of the search operation.
Gold trader robbed of valuables worth Rs 23 lakh
According to the investigation, the victim, Vikas, a gold trader from Maharashtra, was travelling in a car when a gang allegedly intercepted his vehicle near Baikampady.
The assailants allegedly robbed him of 180 grams of gold and other valuables worth approximately Rs 23 lakh before fleeing the scene.
The daring robbery prompted an extensive investigation by Mangaluru police.
Police identify key suspects
Police said the alleged mastermind behind the robbery is Shibin Gangadharan, a native of Puducherry.
In addition to Shibin Gangadharan, police have released the names and photographs of 13 key accused believed to be involved in the crime.
The accused have been identified as Sreerag, Atul, Mithun Lal, Azeer Tharayil, Vaishakh, Aseer Payyanur, Pranav, Vigil, Ubaid (Kodagu), Firoz, Moydu Abbas, Ziyad, and Zameer Alika.
Investigators believe the robbery was executed by an organised gang.
Three arrested for allegedly assisting robbers
Earlier in the investigation, Panambur Police arrested three individuals for allegedly assisting the robbery suspects.
The arrested persons have been identified as Nimil from Kerala, and Irshad and Mustafa, both from Madikeri.
Police said the three are currently being interrogated as part of the ongoing investigation to identify the whereabouts of the absconding accused.
Police seek public cooperation
Mangaluru police said they are coordinating closely with their counterparts in Kerala to trace the remaining suspects.
Officials urged members of the public to immediately contact 100 or inform the nearest police station if they have any information about the accused or spot any of them.
Police reiterated that the identity of informants would remain confidential and that rewards would be provided for credible information leading to arrests.
They expressed confidence that public cooperation would play a crucial role in solving the case and bringing the accused to justice.
Conclusion
The release of photographs and announcement of rewards mark a significant step in the investigation into the Baikampady gold robbery case. With several key suspects still on the run, Mangaluru police have intensified search operations and appealed for public assistance to help secure their arrest.