Harbour Police have arrested K Ilavarasan, a 38-year-old employee from Thiruvottiyur, in connection with the theft of 5,230 computer tablets worth Rs35 crore from the Chennai Port. Ilavarasan is accused of providing forged documents to a key member of the theft gang, G Manikandan, which facilitated the theft of the container.
The theft occurred in early September when the container, containing valuable electronic goods, arrived at Chennai Port. Ilavarasan allegedly used his position at the cargo company to create fake paperwork, enabling Manikandan and his associates to steal the container.
The crime came to light when the operations manager of the cargo company noticed the container was missing on September 11. After filing a complaint, the police traced the trailer and recovered 5,207 of the 5,230 stolen tablets.
The police initially arrested six individuals in September, and on October 13, they also apprehended V Chinnasamy alias Vicky, a 29-year-old involved in the theft. Further investigations led to the arrest of Ilavarasan, who has since been charged with aiding and abetting the crime.
The police have recovered four tablets from the accused and continue to investigate the full extent of the theft operation.