Serial Thief Apprehended in Dramatic Police Operation in Thiruvananthapuram
In a significant breakthrough, the Fort police in Thiruvananthapuram have successfully arrested a man implicated in a series of theft cases spanning the state capital and its neighbouring districts. The accused, identified as Sreekanth, aged 40 and a native of Kakkamoola, was taken into custody following an intense investigation and a dramatic chase that unfolded within the city limits.
Details of the Theft and Investigation
The arrest stems from a complaint filed by Biju, the owner of a bike that was stolen while parked along the roadside in the Killipalam area on Saturday. Acting swiftly on the complaint, police authorities examined CCTV footage from the vicinity, which played a crucial role in identifying Sreekanth as the prime suspect. Concurrently, law enforcement received a critical tip-off indicating that the accused was planning to flee to Tamil Nadu with the stolen vehicle.
A dedicated police team was immediately deployed, leading to Sreekanth's apprehension after a dramatic chase through the city. According to police reports, Sreekanth primarily targeted bikes left unattended on roadsides. His criminal activities extended beyond vehicle theft; during nighttime, he would break into unoccupied houses, committing thefts before escaping to other states. There, he allegedly led a lavish lifestyle funded by the stolen money and valuables.
Recovery of Stolen Items and Criminal History
Upon his arrest, police recovered a substantial haul of stolen property from Sreekanth, including:
- Approximately 66 sovereigns of gold ornaments
- Rs 67,000 in cash
- Two mobile phones
- The stolen bike from the Killipalam incident
During interrogation, Sreekanth confessed that the gold ornaments were stolen from houses within the jurisdictions of the Kattakada and Maranalloor police stations. Further investigation revealed that Sreekanth is a habitual offender, listed in the criminal register of the Vizhinjam police station. He has an extensive criminal record, with 26 theft cases registered against him across multiple police stations, such as:
- Nemom
- Thampanoor
- Fort
- Karamana
- Poonthura
- Valiyathura
- Kanjiramkulam
- Vilappilsala
- Kattakada
- Kollam East
Additionally, cases have been filed against him in Tamil Nadu, highlighting the interstate nature of his criminal activities. This arrest marks a significant step in curbing theft-related crimes in the region, with police continuing their efforts to ensure public safety and justice.
