Kottayam: The police personnel in the district are all praise for an elderly couple who played a pivotal role in nabbing notorious thief Balan (Palani Swamy, 59). The CCTV visuals of how the couple, aged 75 and 66, managed to trap the thief were posted on the official social media page of the state police force. These visuals have now gone viral on the internet, with many appreciating the couple for their swift action and grit. 

The robbery happened at the bakery owned by the couple, close to their house, in the wee hours of August 17. The couple woke up at 1.45 am to pray as usual. When they glanced at the monitor of the CCTV cameras installed in the bakery, they noticed a man inspecting the cash counter while munching on delicious bakery snacks. They immediately alerted their son who lives in Thiruvananthapuram as well as the police. The couple who had their eyes glued on the thief kept updating the police about his every move. 

The police who rushed to the spot broke down the bakery’s door and arrested the thief. Balan’s usual style is to confess the crime and undergo jail term if he gets caught. However, he would continue robbery and theft when he is out on bail. 

Balan was captured by a 11 member police team comprising SI PV Manoj, SI Sunnymon and officers Prathap and Benson of West Station.