In a swift breakthrough, Brahmavar police have arrested an inter-state thief involved in stealing cash from pygmy collectors, who had stored the money in a bike’s side box.
The accused, Santosh Hanumantha Kattimani (39), hailing from Indi taluk in Bijapur district, was taken into custody after a focused investigation. Police recovered Rs32,000 in cash and a mobile phone from his possession.
The incident took place on the evening of August 4, when pygmy collectors associated with a cooperative society were collecting daily deposits. After withdrawing cash from a Karnataka Bank ATM opposite Shivalli Hotel, they secured the amount in the side box of their two-wheeler and proceeded to the hotel.
Upon their return, they discovered that the lock had been broken and the money was gone. Important documents, including PAN and Aadhaar cards, were also reported missing.
A case was filed at Brahmavar police station, and a team quickly began tracking the accused. CCTV footage and tip-offs helped trace Kattimani, who was apprehended soon after.
Police noted that the arrest highlights a broader concern of inter-state theft rings preying on cash-handling agents. Officials have advised the public to avoid leaving valuables in vehicles unattended, even for short periods.
Further investigation is ongoing to determine if the accused is linked to other similar cases in the region.
