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Virajpet: In a significant breakthrough, the Virajpet Rural Police, in collaboration with their Kerala counterparts, have arrested two notorious interstate thieves who had been on a crime spree across Karnataka and Kerala. The duo, who had committed 11 thefts within 40 days of being released on bail, are now in police custody, bringing an end to their criminal activities.
The arrested individuals have been identified as T.A. Salim (42) from Ulikkal in Iritty taluk, Kerala, and M.A. Sanjay Kumar (30) from Chowdlu village in Somwarpet, Karnataka. During the investigation, the police were able to link the suspects to a series of thefts across the two states. These include five cases in Kodagu, two in Mysuru, and four in Kerala, indicating their extensive involvement in criminal activities.
Speaking to the press, Kodagu Superintendent of Police (SP) K. Ramarajan provided details of the investigation, stating that both individuals were professional thieves with long criminal histories. "While investigating one particular theft case, we uncovered a trail of other thefts they had committed," he said. The thefts included a range of targets, from shops and religious institutions to vehicles and residential properties.
Among the crimes committed by Salim and Sanjay Kumar were the theft of goods from a shop in Bhethri, stealing a donation box from a temple in Bittangala, an attempted theft at a house in Murnad, the theft of a two-wheeler in Mysuru, a theft at a dargah in Pulikimadu, and several other thefts in Kerala. Their crime spree left a trail of distress among residents and businesses in the affected areas.
The prime accused, T.A. Salim, is no stranger to law enforcement. With a criminal career spanning over two decades, he has been involved in thefts across Kerala, Mysuru, and Kodagu. According to police, despite multiple arrests, Salim managed to secure bail and continued his criminal activities, often striking again shortly after his release. According to Ramarajan, Salim has previously served two years and ten months in prison for various offences. His most recent imprisonment was related to a theft at a petrol bunk in 2022. However, following his release on bail, he resumed his criminal ways, this time partnering with Sanjay Kumar to carry out 11 more thefts.
The police believe that the duo was preparing to commit more crimes before their arrest, and their capture has likely prevented further incidents.
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