Mangaluru: Mangaluru city police have cracked a robbery case within three days of the incident by arresting two suspects and recovering the stolen gold jewellery, along with the motorcycle allegedly used in the crime.
City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said the suspects were apprehended in Maroli on Friday based on credible intelligence. Police recovered the entire quantity of jewellery allegedly stolen from the victim during the robbery.
The incident took place on August 3 at around 1.15 pm, when a 76-year-old woman was alone at her residence.
Suspects allegedly forced their way into house
According to the police, the elderly woman heard someone knocking on the door while she was at home. When she opened the door, she found two men standing near the steps.
The duo allegedly told her that they were looking for a house to rent. While the woman was speaking to them, the suspects allegedly forced their way inside the residence.
Police said the accused pushed the elderly woman to the ground and assaulted her before snatching the gold ornaments she was wearing. They then fled from the scene.
The stolen jewellery consisted of a gold chain and a bangle weighing around 24 grams, with the total value estimated at approximately Rs 3 lakh.
The incident prompted police to launch an investigation, particularly as the victim was alone at home when the alleged robbery occurred.
Special team formed to track suspects
Following the incident, a case was registered at Konaje police station under Sections 332, 309(6) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
A special police team was subsequently formed to identify and track down those involved in the robbery.
Investigators worked on available leads and intelligence inputs before tracing the suspects. The breakthrough came within three days of the incident, with the accused being apprehended in Maroli on Friday.
Police also seized the motorcycle allegedly used in the commission of the crime.
The recovery of the entire quantity of stolen jewellery has been described as a significant development in the investigation.
Two suspects arrested
The arrested suspects have been identified as Bala Subramanya, 49, a resident near Kordabbu Temple in Matadakani, Urwa, and Shyam Kumar, 33, from Thokkottu and currently residing near Bokkapattana Church in Mannagudda.
Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said Bala Subramanya has an extensive criminal history, with six previous cases registered against him, including cases related to robbery and theft.
The police are continuing their investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crime and the involvement of the accused.
Both arrested persons will be produced before the court as part of the legal proceedings.
Police team praised for swift action
The operation was conducted under the leadership of Mangaluru South sub-division ACP Vijaya Kranthi, Ullal Inspector Virupaksha Swamy, Konaje PSI Nagaraj and Puneet Ganokar.
Police personnel including Srujan Shetty, Isaq, Sunil, Shailendra and Basavanagouda also participated in the operation.
The swift action by the special team resulted in the suspects being traced and the stolen valuables being recovered within three days of the robbery.
The case also highlights the importance of quickly reporting crimes involving elderly and vulnerable residents, particularly when suspects gain entry by giving false reasons.
Commissioner urges residents to stay alert
Following the arrests, Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy urged residents to remain cautious when dealing with unknown persons approaching their homes.
He advised people, particularly elderly residents who may be alone at home, not to open their doors to strangers without verifying their identity and purpose.
The commissioner also recommended installing CCTV cameras around residential properties. Surveillance cameras can provide valuable evidence during investigations and may also act as a deterrent against potential offenders.
The incident serves as a reminder for residents to remain vigilant when unfamiliar people approach their homes, especially by using seemingly routine excuses such as searching for rental accommodation.
With the stolen jewellery recovered and the two suspects in custody, further investigation will focus on establishing the complete circumstances of the robbery and examining the criminal background and possible involvement of the accused in other offences.