Kerala Trio Apprehended for Highway Gold Heist Near Coimbatore
The KG Chavadi police in Coimbatore have successfully cracked a highway robbery case with the arrest of three men from Kerala on Sunday. The suspects were involved in a brazen kidnapping and robbery incident that occurred on February 19 along the Salem-Cochin Highway.
Arrested Suspects and Seized Items
The arrested individuals have been identified as N Nithin, 33, S Sreekumar, 31, and K Suthish, 39, all hailing from Kasaragod district in Kerala. A special police team tracked them down to Kasaragod and made the arrests.
During the operation, authorities confiscated Rs21,000 in cash and a sports utility vehicle (SUV) that was allegedly used in the crime. This vehicle played a crucial role in the kidnapping of the victim, a Kerala-based goldsmith.
Details of the Highway Robbery
According to police reports, the victim, M Lukman from Naduvattam near Pattambi in Kerala, was returning to his hometown on his two-wheeler on Thursday morning. He had just completed a transaction in Coimbatore, selling 200 grams of gold bars.
The criminal gang, traveling in the SUV, reportedly followed Lukman as he passed the Walayar check post. In a violent confrontation, they knocked him down with their vehicle and forced him into the SUV at knifepoint.
"While some members drove away with Lukman, others fled the spot with his two-wheeler, which contained cash hidden in a secret compartment," explained a police officer involved in the investigation.
Police Investigation and Next Steps
The KG Chavadi police initiated the investigation based on Lukman's formal complaint. Through diligent detective work, they were able to trace the suspects leading to their arrest in Kerala.
Authorities have confirmed that further investigation is actively underway. Police are working to identify and apprehend any additional individuals who may have been involved in this organized highway robbery.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about highway safety and organized crime along major transportation routes in the region.
