Sri Vijaya Puram, June 27: Four persons have been arrested and 16 high-end mobile phones worth approximately Rs 22–25 lakh recovered within 48 hours in connection with a theft reported from a mobile phone store in Bathubasti, police said.
The theft was reported on June 23 after Digital Zone, Bathubasti, lodged a complaint at Pahargaon Police Station alleging that 16 premium mobile phones, including iPhone and Vivo models, had been stolen from the establishment. Following the complaint, police registered a case and launched an investigation.
An investigation team from Pahargaon Police Station was constituted under the supervision of Inspector Sahil Shamsuddin, Station House Officer, with ASI Ajay Kumar Anand serving as the Investigating Officer. The team immediately began collecting evidence and tracing those involved in the theft.
During the investigation, police examined CCTV footage from the shop and surrounding locations, tracked the movement of suspects, analysed technical evidence and verified records of recently released jail inmates and known habitual offenders.
Police said the Anti-Burglary Squad of Aberdeen Police Station also assisted in the investigation. CCTV footage and technical examination of the suspects’ gait, body posture and facial features were analysed to identify the principal accused despite an alleged attempt to alter his appearance.
Based on the evidence gathered during the investigation, police conducted coordinated raids and arrested four accused identified as J. Suresh, Rajesh Kanna, Akram Ali and Packiya Raj within 48 hours of the reported theft.
Police stated that all 16 stolen mobile phones were recovered during the operation, resulting in the complete recovery of the stolen property, which was estimated to be worth between Rs 22 lakh and Rs 25 lakh.
During further investigation, police alleged that the theft had been orchestrated by Sheikh Murtaza, who is currently lodged in District Jail, Prothrapur, in connection with another criminal case. Police said the investigation into the matter is continuing.
According to police, the investigation was carried out under the direction of Deependra Kumar Singh, DANIPS, SDPO (South Andaman), and under the overall supervision of senior officers.
Police have appealed to the public to install CCTV cameras and ensure they remain operational to assist in crime prevention and investigation. Shop owners have also been advised to install shutter alarm systems to deter theft attempts.
The public has been requested to report information related to crime or illegal activities through the emergency numbers 100, 112, 03192-250525 or 03192-236641. Police stated that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
