KOCHI: Panic gripped Kochiites as they have been witnessing real life scenes akin to those of Tamil flick ‘Theeran Adhigaram Ondru’ starring Karthi which depicted dacoity by gangsters belonging to a tribal community from North India. However, unlike the movie the victims can heave a sigh of relief as they did not come to any harm in the wake of the violence unleashed by the armed bandits. Explaining the outlaws’ modus operandi, officers said the robbers gained entry into the house by breaking either the window panes or back doors before decamping with the valuables after holding the residents at knifepoint.
The gang tie up family members or lock them up in rooms or bathrooms after gagging them. If someone tried to put up any resistance, they will be attacked with iron rods or other sharp-edged weapons. During the melee they used to snatch all the valuables and ornaments belongs to the women in the house”. In the movie ‘Theeran’, the Hindi-speaking burglars used to gain entry into the houses for plundering and murdering the family members using lethal weapons. However, the gang struck the house of Ananda Kumar in Tripunithura attacked those resisted their efforts to rob. Sharimol, wife of Ananda Kumar, who is yet to recover from the trauma of the incident, said they could not identify any person as the gang worn a ‘pardha’ like a black-coloured dress.
“They carried weapons. My husband, Ananda Kumar sustained a severe injury on his head and he is undergoing treatment. Other members of the family also sustained minor injuries, in the attack by the gang,” she said. Rajeev, a local resident, said the incident was the first of its kind in the area. “This house is located in an desolate area near the railway track. Though a few of neighbours heard continuous barking by the dogs, they ignored it they were in deep slumber since it was around 2 am,” he said. The police have alerted the residents’ associations as they suspect the gang is likely to strike again at the houses located near the railway tracks from Kaniyampuzha bridge to Tripunithura.
“Earlier, those hailing from the notorious ‘Thiruttu Gramam’ in Tamil Nadu had committed a series of house thefts. “The operation of this gang is similar to that of the notorious ‘Thiruttu Gramam’ gang”. The residents are maintaining vigil and conducting night patrolling in the area with the assistance of police officers,” Rajeev said. Officers said the break-in at Tripunithura bore a close parallel with the burglary at Pulleppady the other day. Meanwhile, City Police Commissioner M P Dinesh said a special investigation team headed by DCP (Crimes) A R Premkumar has been constituted and they have begun an inquiry.
“ACP Thrikkakara and the Circle Inspectors concerned under the jurisdiction are also part of the team. Additional police personnel have been deployed for night patrolling. We suspect the same gang is involved in the thefts at Tripunithura and Pulleppady as the modus operandi was the same. People should keep an eye out though there is no need for panic”, he said.
Kerala Police Dos and Don’ts
Put on light in front of the house and kitchen side during the entire night
Arrange the on/off switches of the lights inside the house
Do not open the door at night if strangers ring the door bell or knock on the doors
Do not entertain vendors who introduce themselves as trainee marketing executives and MBA students
Do not entertain beggars and urchins. Try not to buy fish and vegetables from unknown cycle
vendors
Do not discuss details of house construction, chitty auction, bank transactions and wedding of children
in public spaces