Mangaluru: Mangaluru police have detected six two-wheeler theft cases reported under the jurisdiction of Mangaluru South and Ullal police stations and detained seven people in connection with the incidents. Four accused have been arrested, while the other three are juveniles in conflict with the law.
Police have recovered all six stolen two-wheelers along with three other vehicles allegedly used in the crimes. The total value of the nine vehicles is estimated at Rs 4.50 lakh.
The cases involved motorcycles stolen from different locations across Mangaluru, including Valencia, Jappu, Attavar, Hoige Bazaar, Deralakatte and Kuthar.
Four young men arrested
The arrested accused have been identified as Mohammed Siyam, 19; Mohammed Naseef alias Naseef, 19; Mohammed Raheel, 18; and Nikhil, 18.
Siyam and Raheel are residents of Shivanagar in Moodushedde village, Vamanjoor, Mangaluru. Naseef resides in Jokatte, while Nikhil is from Sadashivanagar, Thiruvail, Mangaluru.
The three other individuals detained in connection with the cases are juveniles.
Police said the four arrested accused were produced before the court for further legal proceedings.
Six motorcycles stolen from different locations
Four of the thefts were reported within the limits of Mangaluru South police station.
The incidents include the theft of a KTM Duke motorcycle parked near Don Bosco Hostel at Valencia Junction on October 12; a Yamaha FZ parked near Jappu Market on October 19; a Bajaj Discover parked opposite Durga Hotel near KMC Hospital in Attavar on October 21; and another KTM Duke parked below Bhagavathi Apartments at Hoige Bazaar on October 22.
Two other cases were reported within Ullal police station limits.
A Royal Enfield Bullet parked near Yenepoya Medical College Hospital in Deralakatte was stolen on October 18. Another Yamaha FZ, parked near Pandith House in Kuthar, was stolen on October 21.
Four cases were registered at Mangaluru South police station and two at Ullal police station.
Special team traces suspects
Following the incidents, a special team comprising sub-inspectors and crime detection personnel from Mangaluru South police station was formed to investigate the thefts.
Police said the team gathered intelligence and pursued leads, eventually detaining seven suspects for questioning. The investigation led to the detection of all six theft cases and the recovery of the stolen motorcycles.
In addition to the six stolen two-wheelers, police recovered three other vehicles allegedly used in the commission of the offences. The combined value of the nine vehicles has been estimated at Rs 4.50 lakh.
Accused allegedly targeted expensive motorcycles
According to police, the accused allegedly targeted expensive motorcycles, stole them from parking locations and sold them at lower prices to make money. Police further alleged that the proceeds were intended to finance a lavish lifestyle.
The suspects were also suspected of seeking profits through other criminal activities, including chain snatching, police said.
The allegations are part of the ongoing criminal investigation and will be subject to the legal process.
Police team behind the operation
The operation was conducted under the leadership of Mangaluru South police inspector Raghavendra Byndoor, with the assistance of PSI Maruti and crime detection personnel Lakshman Salotagi, Puttaram, Sagar Devakatti and Anjaneya K.S.
Other officers and staff of Mangaluru South police station also assisted in the operation.
The recovery of all six stolen motorcycles marks a significant development in the investigation, with further legal proceedings against the arrested accused to follow.