Karkala: In a major breakthrough, the Karkala Rural police have arrested 12 individuals in connection with the theft of arecanut from a farmhouse in Mundkur. The incident, which occurred on August 23, involved the theft of a large quantity of arecanut stored at the farmhouse. Police have recovered 1,100 kilos of stolen arecanut, estimated to be worth ₹5 lakh, bringing relief to the owner and sending a strong message against rural property crimes.
Theft at Mundkur farmhouse
The theft took place late at night on August 23 when miscreants gained entry into the farmhouse premises and carried away the stored arecanut. The incident created tension among local farmers in Mundkur, as arecanut continues to be one of the most valuable cash crops in the region. Farmers expressed concern that such thefts could severely impact their livelihoods.
Police form special team
Taking the matter seriously, the Udupi district police formed a special investigation team under the leadership of DySP Manjappa. The team included PSIs Prasanna M S and Sundar, ASIs Prakash and Sundar Gowda, constables Rudresh, Chandrashekhar, Mahantesh, and CDR personnel Dinesh and Nitin. With coordinated efforts, the team was able to trace and apprehend the culprits within two weeks of the crime.
12 accused taken into custody
On September 8, the police swooped in and arrested 12 individuals allegedly involved in the theft. The operation was conducted across different locations in the Karkala subdivision. During interrogation, the accused revealed details of their plan and execution, which helped the police to recover the stolen goods.
The recovered arecanut, weighing 1,100 kilos, was valued at nearly ₹5 lakh and has since been returned to the rightful owner.
Guidance from senior officers
The investigation was carried out under the guidance of Udupi district SP Hariram Shankar, IPS, Additional SP Sudhakar, and Assistant SP (Karkala) Harsha Priyamvada, IPS. Their close monitoring and directives were crucial in ensuring that the case was solved in record time.
Local response and significance
The arrest of the accused and recovery of the stolen arecanut has been welcomed by the farming community. Local residents have lauded the swift action taken by the police, noting that it will serve as a deterrent to future crimes of a similar nature.
Arecanut is a major agricultural product in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts, with thousands of families depending on its cultivation and trade. Any disruption due to theft or smuggling not only affects farmers but also impacts local markets and allied industries.
Police warn against property crimes
Police officials have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on thefts and property crimes in rural areas. They also appealed to the public to remain vigilant, ensure proper storage and security of valuable produce, and report any suspicious activities immediately to the nearest police station.
Conclusion
The arrest of 12 individuals and recovery of stolen arecanut in Mundkur marks a significant success for the Karkala Rural police. With continued vigilance and community cooperation, authorities hope to curb such incidents and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers in the district.