Mandya: Mandya district police have cracked multiple temple robberies, residential burglaries, and large-scale motorcycle thefts across the district, arresting 11 accused and recovering stolen property worth over Rs 34 lakh. The arrests followed coordinated operations in Malavalli, Halaguru, and surrounding areas.
Speaking to reporters, SP VJ Shobharani credited the results to “systematic intelligence gathering, swift inter-district coordination, and meticulous investigation” by dedicated police teams. She said the operations “sent a strong message to organized criminal networks” and emphasized continued patrolling, surveillance, and intelligence-led policing.
A key breakthrough involved a six-member gang responsible for stealing gold ornaments and cash from Pattaladamma Temple at Sagya Saraguru village in Malavalli taluk. The accused were:
Vijay alias Mark Viji – Rayakottai, Tamil Nadu
Mani – Rayakottai, Tamil Nadu
Madhura – Sathanur Colony
Bharath – Mayappanahalli
Naveen alias Kabbala – Ramanagara
Shabbir – Mysuru
Police recovered gold and cash worth over Rs 7.1 lakh, including 24g of gold, 245g of silver, donation box cash, and ritual items like lamps and bells. A motorcycle, a goods auto, and iron rods used to break temple locks were also seized. The gang is linked to multiple temple thefts in Halaguru, Belakavadi, Malavalli town, Sathanur, Kanakapura, and several locations in Tamil Nadu. Four cases were registered at Halaguru police station alone.
In a separate operation, Babajan and his 16-year-old son were arrested for a December 2025 burglary at Gangadhar’s residence in Malavalli town. The duo, residents of Shikaripalya in Anekal taluk, are suspected in at least five house burglary cases across Malavalli, Halaguru, and Bannur. Police recovered 144g of gold and 46g of silver, valued at about Rs 20 lakh.
Mandya police also busted a motorcycle theft racket after investigating a bike stolen near the KSRTC bus stand in Malavalli. Three youths — Karthik (Mysuru), Sagar MS (Banasamudra), and Prajwal MC (Malavalli) — were arrested, leading to the recovery of 19 stolen motorcycles worth around Rs 7 lakh, linked to cases across Bannur, Kollegal, Kirugavalu, Mandya East, and Mysuru City police limits.
