Erode cops nab thief facing 40 theft cases

According to police, Manikandan (41), who hails from K V Kuppam near Katpadi in Vellore district, has been involved in more than 40 cases of theft and burglary in Tiruvallur, Vellore, Kancheepuram and Tiruvannamalai districts. He was detained under the Goondas Act on three occasions. 

Following a spate of thefts reported in many districts, police suspected the involvement of Manikandan and launched a hunt for him. 

By tracking his mobile phone, police found that Manikandan was proceeding towards Coimbatore through Erode district. 

Subsequently, special teams of police fanned out across the Erode district and carried out intensive vehicle checks. 

On Thursday night, a police team led by Perundurai DSP Rajkumar intercepted a car in which Manikandan was travelling near Sipcot in Perundurai. They immediately surrounded the vehicle and took him into custody. 

As much as Rs 1.48 lakh in cash, besides gold jewellery, silver articles and six mobile phones were seized from the car. He was also in possession of iron rods and weapons used to break open locked houses. 

The Perundurai police then handed him over to Podanur police in Coimbatore for further interrogation. 

The value of jewels seized from Manikandan is yet to be estimated. Further inquiries are on to crack down on other members of his gang.