The Kayathar police of Tuticorin district would not have imagined that they would nab one of their colleagues for burglary. D. Karthick (29), a constable attached to the Thondaiyarpet police station, Chennai, was arrested with an accomplice when he attempted to unlock the premises of a society in the small hours. A patrol team ensured that valuables worth Rs.2.5 crore remained safe. The team, comprising a Special Sub-Inspector and a Home Guard, grew suspicious when the lights on the society’s premises went off unusually. When the team approached the building, three persons attempted to flee on a motorcycle. Two persons – the constable and K. Palpandi (29) of Middle Street, Karuppanur, Tirunelveli district – were nabbed while another managed to give a slip.
The two-wheeler, gas cylinders, welding equipment, a cutter and screw driver were seized from the scene of crime, according to Superintendent of Police, Ashwin M. Kotnis. The 2008 batch constable, the SP told The Hindu , was involved in the burglary of a bank under Ayyapuram police limits in Tirunelveli five days ago.
The society office is equipped with a burglar alarm but not with surveillance cameras. Investigation revealed that Palpandi and Kanagaraj, who is absconding, planned the burglary.
Kovilpatti Assistant Superintendent of Police Murali Rambha said patrolling personnel stopped the bike on which the trio was about to escape. Kayathar Inspector of Police Udhayasuriyan said the number plate of the seized two-wheeler had ‘Police’ written on it.
It was registered in the name of the constable’s father. The oxygen cylinder used by the trio was stolen from a welding shop at Vannikulam and a case had been filed by Devarkulam police in this connection on June 27.
