Flying in for robbery: Kerala police arrest 11-member gang, foil state-wide theft plan

KOCHI: Eleven natives of Uttar Pradesh, who arrived in Kerala by flight to carry out robberies, have been arrested. The thieves from Meerut, were arrested from Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kannur. They had sent bikes to Kerala in advance by train to use for their theft operations.

After landing at Kochi airport, the thieves dispersed into various districts. They had sent the bikes to each of the districts where they intended to carry out thefts. Their plan was to travel around on the bikes and commit robberies. The police had the other day arrested Rihan of Uttar Pradesh from Thrissur the other day. During interrogation, the police found that a large theft gang had arrived in Kerala.

After knowing that the group was planning widespread thefts, the police passed the information to the police stations in Ernakulam and Kannur. Following that, five Uttar Pradesh natives were arrested from a lodge in Kalamassery. Police recovered items allegedly intended for theft, including tools for cutting cables, keys and mobile phones. Five others were similarly arrested in Kannur.

A preliminary investigation found that the thieves intended to collect and sell copper wires from unoccupied houses and telephone exchanges. However, police are also investigating whether the large group had other major plans. The officers said that the accused had committed thefts in various places outside Kerala as well.