In a major embarrassment to the police, a District Armed Reserve (DAR) constable, Pradeep Hanumantappa Naik (37), was arrested along with five alleged robbers for aiding a house robbery in Nidnagilu village, Hirekerur taluk, Haveri district. Naik has been suspended from service pending further investigation.
The other arrested accused include:
Malleshappa Venkappa Naik (Shidenur, Byadgi taluk)
Kantesh Muttappa Waddar (Kerur, Badami taluk)
Ajeya Hanumant Salhalli (Belawadi, Bailhongal, Belagavi)
Nagaraj Hanumant Waddar
Police seized cash worth Rs 52,000, 7.7 grams of gold, a motorcycle used in the crime, and other items. Investigations revealed that the gold was pawned at a finance company to obtain a loan.
Constable Pradeep Naik, a 2008 batch officer, had previously served as a driver for the Hirekerur CPI for four years and was recently assigned to the Haveri DAR division. Authorities are investigating his motive and how he became involved with the accused robbers.
SP Yashodha Vantagodi detailed that on Jan 19, five robbers, wearing monkey caps, broke into the house of Mallangouda Patil, threatened residents with knives, and stole cash worth Rs 5 lakh, 40 grams of gold jewelry, and 244 grams of silver. Under DySP Lokesh’s leadership, four special teams were formed to apprehend the accused. During interrogation, it was revealed that Pradeep Naik had assisted in the robbery, leading to his arrest.
SP Vantagodi emphasized: “There is no excuse to initiate actions even against police personnel involved in anti-social activities; we will initiate stern actions against staff without any mercy.” Authorities also suspect that the accused may be involved in other robberies in Haveri and neighboring districts.
