Daijiworld Media Network – Brahmavar (JD)

Brahmavar, Aug 5: In a swift breakthrough, police from Brahmavar station have arrested a habitual inter-state thief involved in a theft case and recovered Rs 36,000 worth of stolen cash and property.

The incident took place on August 4, near the Karnataka Bank ATM in front of Shivalli Hotel at Chantaru village. A pigmy collection agent had parked his motorcycle near the ATM and secured a side box that contained collected cash. After collecting more money from the nearby Shivalli Hotel, he returned to find the side box lock broken and its contents missing. Along with the cash, important documents such as his PAN card and Aadhaar card were also stolen.

Based on the complaint and preliminary investigation, the police swiftly traced and apprehended the accused — Santosh Hanumant Kattimani (39), son of Hanumant Kattimani, hailing from Nimbal, Indi Taluk, Vijayapura district. Upon arrest, police recovered Rs 32,000 in cash and a mobile phone linked to the crime from his possession.

The successful operation was executed under the guidance of Udupi district superintendent of police Hariram Shankar, IPS, and additional SP Sudhakar Naik. Direction and coordination were provided by Deputy SP Prabhu D T of Udupi sub-division and circle police inspector Gopikrishna of Brahmavar.

The investigation and arrest were led by PSI Ashok Malabagi, investigating PSI Sudharshan Doddamani, and ASI Jayakar Airody, with assistance from station personnel Uday Amin, Ashok Kone, and Ashwin, as well as crime detection team members Mohammad Ajmal Haikady, Kiran Kumar, and Siddappa Sakanalli.

Police sources confirmed that the accused is a repeat offender with previous theft cases across state lines. Further investigation is underway to establish his involvement in other unsolved thefts in the region.