Four inter-state thieves nabbed, 11 vehicles seized

Kaup: The police from here have successfully arrested four members of an inter-state gang of vehicle thieves. 11 vehicles in the possession of the accused were also seized during the operation.

The confiscated vehicles include a Bolero tempo parked in front of Balaji Traders Kundapur, Mahindra Pick-up vehicles belonging to Mohammed Raqib parked at Katapadi Kallapu and other vehicles which were stolen from Kaup, Shivamogga, Tumakuru and other areas.

The arrested are identified as Syed Mehaboob Pasha (57) from Tipu Nagar, Shivamogga, his son, Syed Mazar Pasha (23), K Eliyas alias Babu (58) from N R Pura in Chikkamagaluru district, and Zia Ul Haq (37) from Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu. The total value of vehicles seized has been estimated at Rs 24 lakh, informed Karkala deputy superintendent of police, K Krishnakanth. Ten of the vehicles were sold to a scrap shop owned by Zia Ul Haq at Mettupalayam, he added. All the arrested have old cases against them and have gone through jail terms in the past.

The operation was conducted under the leadership of Kaup police circle inspector, Mahesh Prasad at Shivamogga and Tamil Nadu. Sub-inspector, Jaya K, probationary sub-inspectors, Sadashiva and Udayaravi K and other police personnel were part of the operation.

Apparently, the gang has been indulging in theft of goods tempos, cars etc parked by the roadside since 2016. The racket came to light when an Indica car that came from the direction of Udupi was stopped and checked on July 19 at Katapadi check post. During scrutiny,  it was found that the car bore two registration numbers. Under interrogation, the four passengers of the car revealed that they usually come prepared for thefts including replacement of number plate. Further investigation led the cops to many other vehicles which were later seized.

The checkpost is one among several such check posts set up under the directions of the district superintendent of police, Nisha James, and additional superintendent of police, Kumarachandra.

In the backdrop of the arresting of the accused, the police department has announced cash prize and appreciation letters to the members of the police team which cracked the gang.