Virajpet Rural police in Kodagu district have arrested three individuals in connection with a black pepper theft case involving a large quantity of produce.
The accused have been identified as K B Shafiq, a native of Thithimathi Nokya village currently residing in 1st Perumbadi RG village, Darshan Nayak (25), also from 1st Perumbadi RG village, and Mohammed Shakir (31), a Mysuru native presently living in Edappadi in Manandavadi, Kerala.
The case was registered after Lehar Ganapathy, a resident of Ammathi Kannangala village in Virajpet taluk, reported the theft of around 300 kg of black pepper stored at a coffee estate on March 9. Acting on leads, police traced and arrested the accused in Panchavalli in Hunsur taluk of neighbouring Mysuru district. Two cars and a motorcycle allegedly used in the crime were also seized.
During interrogation, the trio admitted to selling 215 kg of the stolen pepper in Kerala. Further investigation revealed their involvement in other criminal cases, including bike theft in Hunsur and a separate case of pepper and car theft registered at Suntikoppa police station. Police are continuing the probe to uncover the full extent of their activities.
