Probe reveals migrant worker ‘intelligence’ network aiding interstate robbery gangs

 Kottayam: The ongoing probe into the Manganam heist case has revealed the presence of a gang of migrant workers in the district, collecting details of unoccupied houses and supplying them to interstate burglary rackets. These workers pass intelligence to robbery gangs based in Karnataka, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu.

In return for the information, the thieves pay the network in cash. If a burglary attempt is successful, this ‘intelligence network’ also receives a share of the stolen goods as commission. Police suspect that the gang which recently looted 50 sovereigns of gold from a villa in Manganam may have reached the district through such a network.

Among the interstate migrant worker community in the district, there are individuals suspected of passing on such sensitive information. Police believe that the burglars involved in the Manganam heist received help from them. Notably, three villas in Skyline Palm Meadows, Manganam, are currently unoccupied as their owners are settled abroad. The Bengaluru-based gang is believed to have specifically targeted these vacant homes.

Gang arrived by train at Kottayam
Investigators have confirmed that the burglars arrived in Kottayam by train, disembarking at the railway station in the early hours of Friday last week. Between 11pm on Friday and 12am on Saturday, they reached Palm Meadows.

Breaking open the door, the gang ransacked the interiors, scattering clothing and other belongings. They also prowled around two other unoccupied villas in the vicinity. It was during this time that they noticed the resident of Villa No. 21, Sneha Philip, leaving with her mother, Ambookkayathu Annamma Thomas, for the hospital around 2am. Seizing the opportunity, the gang broke into the house and escaped with 50 sovereigns of gold kept inside.

Details sought from Karnataka Police
The investigation team has sought details from Karnataka Police about the robbery gang, which is also involved in several theft cases in that state. This includes information on the gang’s kingpin, who is believed to have played a role in the Manganam robbery, as well as details of his accomplices. The police have also gathered information on similar burglaries reported across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. They suspect the gang might have visited the district earlier, days before carrying out the Manganam theft. CCTV footage from railway stations is now being examined to bring more clarity to this point.