Vellore police arrest three for theft of gold jewellery, cash from doctor's home
The Sathuvachari police in Vellore have arrested three men in connection with the theft of 45 sovereigns of gold jewellery, silver articles, and ₹1.6 lakh in cash from the residence of a government doctor. The burglary took place on Sunday when the house was locked.
The accused have been identified as K. Murugan (44), from Old Pallavaram near Chennai; R. Baskar (50), a native of Usilampatti in Madurai; and B. Kanagavel (49), a resident of Vellore. According to the police, the three first came into contact with each other while serving prison terms on theft charges.
Investigations revealed that Kanagavel, who works as an autorickshaw driver, would survey areas during his trips and identify locked houses. Later, the gang would return at night to break in and steal valuables.
In the present case, the house belongs to M. Ambika (70), who had left for Chengalpattu to visit her son. She received a call from her tenant informing her that the main door of the house had been forced open. Upon her return, she discovered that the gold ornaments, silver items, and cash were missing.
Based on her complaint, a case was registered. Special police teams examined CCTV footage in the area and tracked mobile phone signals to trace the suspects. The three were apprehended from a hideout in Vellore. The stolen jewellery has been recovered, and the accused have been lodged in the Central Prison in Vellore.
Further investigation is under way to determine whether the gang was involved in similar burglaries in the region, the police added.
