Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 01: A Toyota Land Cruiser 300 worth upwards of Rs 2 crore, belonging to a prominent businessman from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was allegedly taken from outside the Secretariat in Sri Vijaya Puram on August 31, before being recovered near Marina Park following a search aided by CCTV footage.
The businessman had parked the luxury SUV outside the Secretariat and stepped away to withdraw money from a nearby ATM when an unidentified young man allegedly got into the vehicle and drove away without permission, according to information available.
On returning and finding the vehicle missing, the businessman alerted the police. CCTV footage from the area was subsequently examined to trace the movement of the vehicle through different parts of the city.
The Land Cruiser was eventually traced to the vicinity of the Girls’ Senior Secondary School near Marina Park and recovered.
The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 is among Toyota’s most expensive models in India. The SUV is currently priced at more than Rs 2 crore ex-showroom, depending on the variant.
Police have not officially disclosed the identity of the person suspected of taking the vehicle. No First Information Report (FIR) had been registered in connection with the incident at the time of filing this report.
Police sources said preliminary inquiries indicated that the individual suspected of taking the vehicle may have a mental health condition and was reportedly living with his grandparents.
According to police, the businessman decided not to pursue further action after being informed about the individual’s circumstances.
It also remains unclear how the individual allegedly gained access to the vehicle and was able to drive it away.
