In a major development regarding the sensational ₹81 lakh robbery at a Kundannoor shop, Maradu police have successfully apprehended two additional individuals believed to be involved in the crime.
The newly arrested suspects have been identified as Ajins Kuriakose and Jaisal, both hailing from Murickassery in Idukki. Authorities confirmed that these two were part of the masked gang that notoriously robbed a steel trading firm on October 8, brandishing both swords and a firearm. Their capture brings the total number of arrests in this high-profile case to nine.
A police officer revealed that Ajins and Jaisal were apprehended outside the state and were subsequently produced before the court on Monday following their formal arrest.
Crucially, a substantial portion of the stolen money has been successfully recovered from a location in Idukki, a breakthrough achieved by the police team shortly after the apprehension of Ajins and Jaisal. This follows an earlier recovery of ₹20 lakh and the seizure of two cars believed to have been used and later abandoned by the culprits. The intense manhunt continues for the remaining individuals involved in the robbery.
The ongoing investigation is diligently managed by a dedicated police team under the leadership of Inspector Rajesh R. and Principal Sub Inspector Sudheer T.K.
Previously arrested individuals include M.S. Saji (43) from Vaduthala, Nikhil Narendranath (43) from SRM Road in Kochi, Asif Iqbal (43) from Cheranalloor, Bushara (47) from Palluruthy, and three men from Nattika in Thrissur: P.V. Vishnu (30), Nihas (26), and Arjun (32).
The brazen robbery occurred around 3:30 p.m. when the shop owner was reportedly counting a large sum of money, which he claimed was intended for material purchases. Police are continuing their thorough investigation into the exact source and intended use of these funds.