THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major combing operation, the city shadow police on Friday arrested five persons in connection with a series of robbery cases. Nadir alias Ernakulam Biju of Nidamanur, Punalal, Vellanad; Bijukumar alias Padakki Sabu, of Jayaprakash Lane, Kudappanakkunnu; Harikumar alias Syamkuttan of Vaalikkode, Nedumangad; Biju alias Kallan Biju of Uriyakkode, Vellanad and Abhijith of Kulappada, Nedumangad were those arrested by the shadow police from the city when they were allegedly planning a robbery to be carried out on the eve of the Attukal Pongala.
They were arrested for robbing jewellery and money from one Manomani, an elderly woman, of Aratharayil Puthenveetil, near Hospital Junction, Parassala, after tying her up on February 6.
The police, in a press release, said that the accused, all in their early 30s, were history-sheeters and there were many cases against them.
They are also the accused in vehicle theft cases in Aryancode and Thrissur, gold ornament robbery cases in Changanassery and Alappuzha, attack on a woman and robbing her gold chain at Peroorkada etc. The police said that they had seized the vehicles and ornaments from the accused.
The leader of the gang, Ernakulam Biju, who was convicted twice under the Goonda Act (KAPPA Act) was released from prison only two months back. He befriended Padakki Sabu in prison and they planned several robberies together. Biju is an accused in around 100 cases. Padakki Sabu is an accused in a murder attempt case in Vilappilsala and he was also convicted under the Goonda Act twice.
Syamkuttan is an accused in many cases in Nedumangad, Vithura and Valiamala Police stations.
They were arrested by a team led by City Police Commissioner T J Jose, which included DCP V C Mohanan, Cantonment AC Haridas, Special Branch AC D Vijayan and Circle Inspectors and Sub Inspectors.
The arrested persons have been remanded.