Flew to Kerala for thefts, bikes came by train: 11-member UP gang held

KOCHI: An autorickshaw driver's alert in Thrissur has led police to an 11-member interstate gang from Uttar Pradesh that allegedly travelled to Kerala by air to carry out thefts. The investigation began when a man identified as Raihan was allegedly caught at Paravattani in Thrissur while attempting to cut a BSNL cable. He and his associates were reportedly dressed as KSEB workers, prompting an autorickshaw driver who noticed their movements to alert the police. During questioning, Raihan reportedly told police that his associates were staying at a lodge in Kochi. The information was passed to Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar, following which police teams traced the gang's hideout in Kalamassery.

Five members were arrested in Kalamassery on Sunday, while another was arrested in Thrissur. Five more were later taken into custody by Kannur Town police during patrolling, taking the total number of arrests to 11. The accused are from Uttar Pradesh, mainly Meerut and Baghpat districts. Police suspect the gang had a carefully planned method of operating in Kerala: the members allegedly flew into the state, while the motorcycles they intended to use were transported separately by train from Delhi. Police are investigating whether the gang had previously used the same method to enter Kerala and whether it had carried out similar operations in other states.

Copper was reportedly one of the gang's main targets. Police said the accused allegedly targeted copper wire, BSNL junction boxes, telecom infrastructure and large generators containing copper strips, while houses under construction were also among the locations they are suspected of targeting. The members allegedly stayed in Kerala posing as construction workers. At Paravattani, however, they were reportedly wearing blue uniforms and yellow helmets resembling KSEB workers' attire while attempting to cut a BSNL cable. Police suspect Farman Ansari of being one of the key planners who brought the group to Kerala.

Police have seized cable cutters, keys, smartphones, watches, identity documents and Rs 90,500 in cash from the accused, along with four motorcycles allegedly used by the gang. Some of the accused had previously been booked in theft cases at Thrikkakara police station, according to police. Investigators are examining the gang's bank transactions and digital evidence, including call records, and are also looking into possible links with local scrap dealers who may have purchased stolen copper. Police are continuing to trace the group's previous movements and determine the extent of its operations.