Two held for series of armed robberies

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Two members of a gang that committed a series of armed robberies in the district, were arrested by the Medical College police during an attempt to snatch a mobile phone from a bystander at Medical College Hospital premises.
The police identified the accused as Al Saj (25) and Thoufeeq (19). Both of them are residents of Thonnackal near Mangalapuram.The police have also seized two motorcycles and a dagger from them.
They were caught by a team led by MCH sub-inspector Harilal and team, who were on duty on MCH premises at night.
According to Harilal, the incident happened around 4am on Tuesday. The accused allegedly tried to snatch the mobile phone of a migrant labourer. He raised alarm, alerting the cops, who chased them down and apprehended them.
“We brought them to the station and found a purse that apparently belonged to a person hailing from West Bengal. An inquiry was conducted and we found out that the duo belonged to a gang that committed a series of armed robberies in the district, especially under the rural limits. The gang has a total of six members,” the SI said.
In fact, barely three hours before they were caught, the gang had committed another robbery at Nedumangad. The gang had allegedly robbed money and mobile phone of a West Bengal native, who was travelling in an autorickshaw along Vembayam–Nedumangad road. The gang intercepted the rickshaw on their motorcycles and attacked both the driver and the passenger before fleeing with the valuables. It was this victim’s purse, containing his ID card and other documents, that was seized from the duo. A case in connection with this incident was registered at Nedumangad police station.
The gang’s modus operandi was to roam around on two motorcycles, riding triples, during nights. When they spot someone at deserted locations they would attack them, brandishing sharp weapons like swords and daggers at them.
The gang had allegedly committed three robberies under Nedumangad police station limits, three under Kazhakkoottam Cyber City station limits and two under Venjarammoodu police station limits. Besides this, the two arrested have six cases registered in their names at Mangalapuram police station, all related to causing hurt.
Efforts are on to track down the remaining gang members.
The two arrested were produced before the court on Wednesday after which they were remanded in judicial custody.