In a remarkable achievement, the Mangaluru City Police cracked one of the largest heists at the Kotekar Co-operative Bank within just 60 hours. Three key suspects, allegedly linked to a notorious gang from Mumbai’s Dharavi, were apprehended.
The robbery occurred on January 17, between 1 PM and 1:20 PM, at the Kotekar Vyavasaya Seva Sahakari Sangha (N) branch in Talapady, on the outskirts of Mangaluru. Coinciding with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s visit to the city, masked individuals armed with weapons stormed the bank and made off with cash and gold jewellery valued at approximately ₹4 crores.
A case was promptly registered at Ullal Police Station under multiple sections of the IPC, Arms Act, and BNS Act. The police formed special teams to expedite the investigation.
Acting swiftly, law enforcement traced the suspects to Padmaneri village in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. The accused were identified as Murugandi Thevar (36), Yosuva Rajendran (35), and Kannan Mani (36).
During the operation, the police seized critical evidence, including the vehicle used in the crime, two pistols with live ammunition, machetes, and some of the stolen cash and gold. “The exact value of the recovered items will be confirmed after a detailed mahazar in collaboration with local authorities,” said Siddarth Goyal, DCP (Law and Order).
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals involved in the heist.
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