ALAPPUZHA: The police have confirmed that the Kuruva gang was behind the recent theft in Mannanchery. Alappuzha DySP Madhu Babu informed the media that Santhosh, arrested yesterday near the Ernakulam Kundannur Bridge, is a member of the Kuruva gang and was the one who arrived in Mannanchery.

A distinctive tattoo on Santhosh's chest helped the police identify him. Investigators also linked him to a similar theft in Pala, leading to his arrest. Evidence was secretly collected earlier in the morning. However, during his transfer for questioning, Santhosh managed to escape from police custody. He fled while being escorted in a jeep, aided by a group of Tamil women. The jeep door was opened and Santhosh jumped into a swamp, evading capture. When he was finally arrested, he was found without any clothes.

The police revealed that the gang comprises 14 members who disguise themselves as fishermen. Some gold bars and jewelry were recovered from Kundannur, where Santhosh was caught. Authorities are still investigating the involvement of Manikandan, who was arrested alongside Santosh.

Santhosh's arrest will be officially recorded soon. He has four pending cases at Changanassery, Pala and Chingavanam police stations. Having previously been arrested in Tamil Nadu, Santhosh served three months in jail. The police also clarified that the robberies in Alappuzha’s Mannanchery and Komalapuram were committed by a gang that included both Santosh and Manikandan.