Vitla/Bantwal: There are strong suspicions that the key mastermind behind the daring robbery at businessman Sulaiman Haji’s residence in Bolanthoor, where a group posing as Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials looted money, could be the driver of the vehicle. The police are now focusing their investigation on this suspect.
Six individuals arrived in a Tamil Nadu-registered vehicle and gained access to the house by impersonating ED officials. They looted cash and fled. Interestingly, among the six, only the driver could speak Kannada, while the rest communicated in English or another unidentified language.
The driver acted as the primary communicator with Sulaiman, giving instructions and asking pointed questions about the location of money.
The robbers initially demanded cash meant for beedi workers but later insisted on finding additional hidden money. The driver’s detailed questioning suggested he had inside knowledge about Sulaiman’s transactions and business affairs, leading the police to suspect him as the plot’s orchestrator. Efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the driver.
Role of Outsiders
The other gang members were non-locals, unfamiliar with the local language. Sulaiman, who knows some Tamil and Malayalam, claimed that none of them spoke these languages either. The driver is suspected of recruiting these individuals from other states for the heist. The police are expanding their investigation to other states, as the gang likely escaped Karnataka post-robbery.
Property Sale Connection
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Investigators suspect the robbery was planned by someone aware of the proceeds from a building Sulaiman recently sold in BC Road. The robbers targeted specific cash reserves, hinting at prior knowledge of the transaction. The driver’s involvement raises further suspicion due to his apparent familiarity with Sulaiman’s business dealings.
Kerala Link?
Police suspect that some of the accused may have fled to Kerala and have intensified investigations in this direction. However, no concrete leads have emerged so far, according to sources.
Evidence Found
The robbers ransacked the entire house, including the third floor, where they discarded SIM cards after removing them from mobile phones. On Tuesday, it was discovered that all five family mobiles were damaged, with the SIM cards bitten and discarded on the same floor. Initially, it was assumed that the robbers had taken the phones, but the damaged devices were later found on the premises.
