Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Feb 3: In connection with the Kotekar bank robbery, the police have seized a pistol that was provided by Shashi Thevar, a key conspirator currently residing in Mumbai. The pistol, which was given to prime accused Murugandi, was recovered on Saturday, about 200 meters from the shootout site. However, since Shashi was not present at the robbery, the weapon was not used in the crime.
Following the arrest of the robbers, Murugandi informed the police about the involvement of a local conspirator. Although the robbery plan was sketched six months ago, Murugandi and Shashi Thevar’s team visited Ajjinadka near the bank in November to finalize their plan. It is believed that the pistol was wrapped in plastic and hidden in the bushes at Ajjinadka.
Reports suggest that Shashi Thevar, who has been involved in multiple robbery cases, trained Murugandi’s team for the K C Road robbery in Dharavi. Murugandi had also roped in two Tamil Nadu-based robbers and three others from different states, including Uttar Pradesh, to execute the heist. While the two robbers from Tamil Nadu have been jailed, the police are actively searching for the remaining three as well as the mastermind.
Among the arrested, Murugandi’s father and another accused, Kannan, who was shot during the incident, are currently in jail. Meanwhile, Murugandi and Yosua Rajendra's police custody will end on Monday February 3. While Murugandi continues to receive treatment for his gunshot injuries, Yosua Rajendra is set to be transferred from police custody to the district prison.
Murugandi is believed to have detailed knowledge about the entire robbery and all those involved. Since he is undergoing treatment, more revelations are expected. Police are hopeful that the arrest of Shashi Thevar will provide further insights into local connections, and the investigation is progressing in this direction.
Authorities suspect that Shashi Thevar was orchestrating the entire heist from Mumbai. At 67 years old, he was not physically present at the crime scene, but reports indicate that he was directing Murugandi’s team remotely on the day of the robbery.