Mangaluru: Police have arrested three persons, including a habitual offender with over 30 criminal cases, in connection with a robbery reported near Tannirbhavi Beach, according to a report.
The case came to light following a complaint filed by Ajay K (29), a resident of Somwarpet in Madikeri, who had visited the beach along with friends to celebrate his birthday on April 13.
Victims targeted after losing their way
As per the complaint, the group lost their way around 2.30 am near Kasaba Bengre and stopped their car to seek directions. Two youths approached them, offered assistance and got into the back seat of the vehicle.
After travelling a short distance, the accused allegedly asked Ajay to stop the car. They then threatened the trio using a screwdriver and created panic by damaging the vehicle’s front windscreen.
Valuables looted at knifepoint
The accused reportedly robbed the victims of several valuables. These included a watch worth ₹9,000, another watch valued at ₹3,000, ₹2,000 in cash, a camera gimbal worth ₹8,000, a power bank valued at ₹2,000 and a bracelet worth ₹500. The total value of stolen items was estimated at ₹24,500.
Additionally, the damage caused to the car’s windscreen resulted in a loss of approximately ₹8,000, taking the total loss in the incident to ₹32,500.
Police said an accomplice arrived on a motorcycle during the robbery, collected the stolen items and fled the scene along with the others.
Case registered under BNS and KPDLP Act
Following the complaint, a case was registered at Panambur Police Station under Sections 309(4) and 324(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 2(a) of the Karnataka Prevention of Damage to Public Property (KPDLP) Act.
Acting under the guidance of senior officers, Panambur police launched an investigation to trace the accused.
Accused traced and arrested
A police team led by inspector Saleem Abbas, along with PSIs Sreekala KT and Gnanasekhar, conducted a swift operation and arrested two accused—Mohammed Sinan (24) and Zaheer Nisar (22), both residents of Kasaba Bengre—on April 13.
The third accused, Chandu Haris (33), also from Kasaba Bengre, was arrested later on Wednesday.
Habitual offender with multiple cases
Police revealed that Chandu Haris is a habitual offender with more than 30 criminal cases registered against him. A rowdy sheet has already been opened against him at Panambur Police Station, and three non-bailable warrants are pending against him in court.
Stolen items recovered
During the investigation, police recovered the stolen valuables, along with the screwdriver used in the crime and the motorcycle involved in the incident. Officials stated that further investigation is ongoing to determine whether the accused were involved in similar offences in the past.
Conclusion
The swift action by Panambur police has led to the arrest of all three accused involved in the robbery near Tannirbhavi Beach. The case highlights the risks faced by travellers in unfamiliar areas during late hours and underscores the importance of vigilance. Authorities have assured that strict legal action will be taken, while investigations continue to uncover further details.