Kochi, October 14: The Maradu police have arrested seven individuals in connection with the Rs81 lakh robbery at a steel trading firm in Kundannur, owned by Subin Joseph of Thoppumpady.
Among those arrested is M.S. Saji (43), a resident of Vaduthala, who is believed to be one of the masterminds behind the well-orchestrated daytime heist. The other accused are:
Nikhil Narendranath (43) – SRM Road, Kochi
Asif Iqbal (43) – Cheranalloor
Bushara (47) – Palluruthy
P.V. Vishnu (30) – Nattika, Thrissur
Nihas (26) – Nattika, Thrissur
Arjun (32) – Nattika, Thrissur
According to police, Rs20 lakh of the stolen cash was recovered from a car in Thrissur, reportedly belonging to an accomplice.
The robbery occurred in broad daylight at the firm’s premises, shocking the business community in Kochi. While these arrests mark a breakthrough in the case, a significant portion of the stolen money remains missing, and police believe more individuals may be involved.
A senior officer said, “The arrests were made after days of surveillance and tracking movements between Kochi and Thrissur. Further interrogation is ongoing to trace the remaining Rs61 lakh and any other suspects connected to the operation.”
This is one of the biggest commercial robberies reported in Kochi this year, with a potential inside connection still being probed.
