Thief flees with 100 sovereigns in auto, unique theft, police left with no evidence

KOCHI: Age is around 30-35. Slim body. Wears cap… fled in auto! These are the hints received by the police about the unknown thief, who stole valuables from an industrialist’s house near Saritha Theatre in Ernakulam. The investigation has been focused on the auto-rickshaw in which the thief fled. However, the vehicle has not been found yet. The ambiguity of the visuals has adversely affected the investigation.

It is the first of the nine thefts that took place in the city this month. Even though the police were relieved to find the culprits in eight cases, the ninth one has left them clueless. Around 100 sovereigns of gold and diamond jewellery, worth Rs 90 lakhs, were stolen. Initially, it was thought that a north Indian gang of thieves were behind the incident. However, when it became clear that they had no role, the suspicion turned towards another gang that had looted a house in broad daylight. It eventually led to the visual of the unknown thief. The theft took place on April 1.

The thief, who went up the stairs of the two-storyed house, had barged in by breaking the glasses. Later, he stole the jewellery that was kept in the cupboards of two rooms in the first floor. The industrialist’s children, who were living in those rooms, had gone outside at the time. The owner’s aged parents were downstairs. No visuals of the thief were found despite checking the CCTV visuals. The crucial visual was found while checking another CCTV footage.

Auto escape!

The thief got into an auto near the Saritha Theatre. Following which, inspections were held at railway stations and bus stands. The investigation team had reached all the places where the accused is likely to go, but to no avail. The first hurdle before the police is to find the auto, in which he escaped.

“Investigation has been extended. He will be caught soon”, said the Kochi city police.