Repeat offender arrested in Kozhikode after stealing 3 phones, camera in Vythiri

Kozhikode: The Kasaba police and city crime squad here on Tuesday arrested Abdul Abid, a 31-year-old Wayanad native, in connection with a theft case. The accused was attempting to flee to Malappuram after stealing a camera worth Rs 1.5 lakh and three mobile phones from Vythiri, Wayanad, when the cops caught him at the Palayam bus stand, Kozhikode. 

Abid is accused of nearly 40 theft cases across various districts. The investigation team, while searching for the culprit in a scooter theft case at hotel Malabar Palace’s parking lot in Kozhikode, confirmed it was Abid after cross-checking CCTV footage.

After further questioning, the police seized 11 more mobile phones and two watches from him. The accused planned robberies in various locations, often after staying there for a while, police said. Cases have been registered against him in Kasaragod’s Hosdurg, Wayanad’s Sulthan Bathery and Vythiri, Idukki’s Thodupuzha, and Malappuram’s Manjeri, the police added.

Inspector Kiran C Nair, Sub Inspectors R Jagamohan Dathan, S Sajith Mon from Kasaba station, and officers M Shalu and Sujith from the City Crime Squad led the investigation.