Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jan 23: Authorities have detained four more individuals in connection with the daring robbery at the Kotekar Cooperative Bank, KC Road branch. According to reliable sources, two suspects were apprehended in Tamil Nadu and two in Mumbai. Additional police teams have been dispatched to bring the suspects to Mangaluru for further investigation.
Earlier, three accused were arrested in this case, which allegedly involves around ten individuals directly. Preliminary findings reveal that after committing the crime in Mangaluru, some gang members fled to Tamil Nadu, splitting the stolen gold among them. Authorities have now detained two such individuals and recovered part of the stolen gold, although official confirmation is awaited.
Police operations in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli district led to the apprehension of Padmaneri village resident Murugandi Thevar (36) and Mumbai's Gopinath Chowk resident Yosuva Rajendran (35). Both were presented before a judge in Tamil Nadu and brought to Mangaluru under a transit warrant.
Additionally, a suspect from Kerala, who had prior criminal records and connections with a Dharavi-based gang, is believed to have played a crucial role in orchestrating the robbery. Investigators are determining whether he was the mastermind or if others were involved.
Police have recovered a Fiat car, two pistols, four live bullets, Rs 3 lac in cash, and 2 kg of gold. However, the total stolen amount was approximately 18–19 kg of gold, leaving a significant portion unaccounted for. Efforts are underway to determine whether the remaining gold was distributed or hidden elsewhere in Kerala or Tamil Nadu.
Mangaluru police previously detained three accused, including Kannan Mani (36) from Chembur, Mumbai. During a site inspection on Alankar Hill near Ullal, Kannan attempted to flee and was shot in the leg by police. He is now under treatment in a private hospital under heavy security.
Teams are closely monitoring the homes and associates of the accused in Mumbai and other locations. Authorities are also exploring potential connections to locals and analysing the gang's distribution of loot.
The high-profile case has sparked intense public discussion, with speculation about local links and identities. Police are determined to resolve the case promptly and recover the remaining stolen gold.