Vitla: Special investigation underway after gang loots businessman

Team Udayavani, Jan 6, 2025, 9:17 AM IST

A gang posing as Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials looted Rs 30 lakh from the residence of Narsh Suleiman Haji in Kolnadu, Vitla.

To expedite the investigation, four special teams have been formed under the leadership of Vitla Police Inspector Nagaraj H.E., Vitla SI Kaushik, Punjalakatte SI Nand Kumar, and Bantwal Rural SI Harish M.R. Members from the district crime detection squad are also part of these teams.

The suspects initially spoke in English and another language unfamiliar to Suleiman. When Suleiman expressed his inability to understand, the driver of their Ertiga car spoke in Kannada, claiming they were from Tamil Nadu and promised to provide further details. The gang executed their operation without raising any suspicion, swiftly escaping with the cash.

Possible escape route

The suspects’ escape route remains unclear due to the multiple roads branching out from Suleiman’s house. This has raised suspicions that local individuals may have been involved, given their apparent knowledge of the area.

Prior surveillance

It is suspected that the gang had gathered detailed information about Suleiman’s movements over three to four days before the incident. The robbers seemed to have been tipped off by someone familiar with Suleiman’s routine and business dealings.

Ertiga car traced towards Mangaluru

The Maruti Ertiga used in the heist was reportedly spotted in areas such as Kuttamuguru, Kodapadavu, Bolantur, and Suribail. The car is believed to have traveled from Narsh to Mangaluru via Kalladka, and its presence has been traced near the Thumbe toll gate.

Investigation progress

Superintendent of Police Yatish N. held a meeting with senior officers to discuss the progress made in the past 24 hours. The focus of the investigation is on identifying the suspects and recovering the stolen cash.

Statement from SP

According to SP Yatish N., Suleiman’s son lodged a complaint mentioning the ₹30 lakh loot. However, no additional amount was reported as stolen. The SP clarified that the investigation is currently prioritizing the apprehension of the suspects and the recovery of the stolen cash rather than focusing on documentation related to the money.

Growing concern among business owners

The incident has sparked anxiety among other local business owners, who are now questioning how to differentiate genuine officials from fraudsters.

Simultaneously, the police are investigating how the robbers were tipped off about the large sum of cash in Suleiman’s house. Efforts are also underway to determine whether the suspects are locals or have fled to distant locations.