PANAJI
A habitual fraudster accused of duping a jewellery shop owner in Kerala and fleeing with gold ornaments was apprehended from a party venue in Calangute following a coordinated operation by the Goa and Kerala police.
In a statement issued, Police said that the accused was wanted in a cheating case registered at Bakel Police Station in Kerala's Kasargode district on May 27. He allegedly entered a jewellery store, selected gold ornaments, including rings and a necklace, and escaped with the valuables after producing a fake online payment confirmation.
Based on intelligence inputs shared by Kerala Police, Goa's Crime Branch launched a search operation after learning that the accused frequently travelled to Goa after committing such offences and spent time at casinos and party venues.
A Crime Branch team led by Inspector Dattaguru Sawant, along with Assistant Sub-Inspector Dinesh Pikulkar and Head Constable Sandeep Madkaikar, joined personnel from Calangute Police Station to trace the suspect. The team conducted searches at multiple locations in Panaji and Calangute while simultaneously gathering intelligence on his movements.
Police also alerted casinos and party establishments across North Goa after receiving information that the accused often visited such venues following the commission of crimes.
The breakthrough came on May 30 when police received specific information about the suspect's presence at a party venue in Calangute. A team rushed to the spot, verified his identity and apprehended him.
Kerala Police officers, who were in Goa as part of the investigation, recovered the stolen gold ornaments from the accused before taking him into custody for further legal proceedings in Kerala.
An IPS officer from Kerala Police, who personally supervised the investigation, commended Goa Police for their swift coordination and assistance in tracing and arresting the accused.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (Crime) Rahul Gupta.
