Mysuru: Police have arrested four members of an alleged inter-district gang accused of intercepting and robbing a civil contractor of cash and valuables in Mysuru district, District Superintendent of Police Mallikarjuna Baladandi said at a media conference on Saturday.

The arrests have helped police crack three robbery-related cases — two registered at Varuna police station and one at Mysuru South police station.

The accused have been identified as Siddaraju, 47, a resident of Muddegowdanahundi under Varuna hobli and currently residing in Kumbarageri, Mysuru; Karthik, 30, from Kotamballi village in Chamarajanagar district; Purushotham, 28, from Alamshettahalli in Maddur taluk of Mandya district; and Anand, 30, from Bhoosamudra near Nagamangala.

Police said four other accused persons involved in the cases are still absconding.

Police recover cash and vehicles

During the investigation, police recovered Rs 4.30 lakh in cash, a car, two two-wheelers and five mobile phones from the arrested accused.

The recovery of the vehicles and mobile phones is expected to assist investigators in establishing the movements of the accused and their alleged involvement in the robberies.

SP Mallikarjuna Baladandi said the arrests were made following a focused investigation by a special police team constituted after the robbery complaint was received.

The operation also helped police establish links between the accused and other cases registered in the jurisdiction of Varuna and Mysuru South police stations.

Contractor intercepted while riding motorcycle

According to the SP, the main incident occurred on July 15, when the victim, identified as civil contractor Ramu from Muddegowdanahundi village, was travelling on his motorcycle.

The accused allegedly intercepted him using a car while he was riding along the road.

The gang members then allegedly forcibly took cash and gold ornaments from the contractor before fleeing the scene.

Following the complaint, police began investigating the incident and formed a special team to identify and apprehend those responsible.

Investigators examined available information about the suspects and their movements while also working to establish whether the same group was involved in other similar offences.

Tip-off leads to first arrests

A breakthrough came after police received information about the suspected involvement of members of the gang.

Acting on the tip-off, police initially detained Karthik, listed as accused number two, and Anand, identified as accused number six.

During interrogation, the two allegedly confessed to their involvement in the crime.

The information obtained from them helped investigators identify other members of the alleged gang and trace their whereabouts.

Police subsequently intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Purushotham and Siddaraju arrested

Based on information obtained during the investigation, police arrested Purushotham on July 28.

The investigation continued as officers worked to locate the alleged prime accused, Siddaraju.

Police eventually arrested Siddaraju on August 4, completing the arrests of the four accused currently in custody.

Investigators are continuing efforts to locate the four other accused persons who remain absconding.

Police are also examining the alleged role of each person in the robbery and other cases linked to the gang.

Three cases cracked

According to the SP, the arrests have helped police crack two cases registered at Varuna police station and one case at Mysuru South police station.

The development indicates that the investigation into the July 15 robbery also helped police identify possible links between the accused and other offences.

The recovery of cash, vehicles and mobile phones forms part of the evidence being examined by investigators.

Police are expected to continue questioning the arrested persons to determine the extent of the gang’s activities and establish whether they were involved in additional offences in Mysuru and neighbouring districts.

Four accused remain absconding

Although four members of the alleged gang have been arrested, police said four other accused persons are still absconding.

Teams are continuing efforts to trace the remaining suspects.

The inter-district nature of the alleged gang’s membership has required police to examine connections extending beyond Mysuru district, with the accused reportedly belonging to different parts of Karnataka.

The investigation will focus on identifying the absconding accused and determining their specific roles in the robberies.

Police continue investigation

The arrests followed a coordinated investigation by police personnel from the concerned stations and the special team constituted to track the suspects.

The case also demonstrates the importance of timely information and coordinated investigation in tracing accused persons who allegedly operate across district boundaries.

The police are continuing their investigation into the robbery and the other cases linked to the accused. Further details about the alleged involvement of the absconding suspects are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.

Additional Superintendent of Police C Mallik, L Nagesh and Rural Sub-Division DySP Rajanna were also present during the press conference.