New breed of robbers on the prowl

By Faris Arakkal

 

By Faris Arakkal

 

For them, robbery is not a means of living unlike conventional thieves. Youth of today indulge in theft to make quick buck for leading a luxurious life with plenty of liquor and expensive gadgets and vehicles. With the strong urge to possess material things, youngsters are increasingly resorting to dubious methods such as smuggling, racketeering, cheating and robberies to become rich overnight. 'Enjoy life by any means' is their mantra. Three robbers-Sunil, Daniel and Manikandan-who broke into a house on Monday at Mullankunnathukavu were caught from a private bar. It was found that they got drunk from another bar near Mullamkunnathukavu before committing the crime. Cases booked by Shadow Police throw light on more such robberies. Shahin (23), Nikhil (25) and Shibin from Kozhikode were recently arrested in the district for robbing a private financial institution of Rs 4,72000. When questioned, it was revealed that the gang comprises around 50 members who are ready to do anything for fulfilling their material desires like boozing and buying costly clothes and gadgets. They operate at different part of the state. Twenty youth were arrested by Shadow Police on August 25 last year while making bombs on the terrace of a house near Pavaratty. They said that they were planning to attack and rob lonely travelers. Gangsters Appayi Girish and Mani who loved a luxurious life used to leave for Ootty and Mysore after robberies. "Wine and women were their favourites," said Shadow Police officers.Gangsters arrested from the Sathyamangalam forest in July last were addicted to liquor and ganja. These gangs include students who were found threatening their teachers in schools. While crime rate in the district is alarmingly rising, drug abuse and liquor addiction are found to be the villains. Shadow Police under City Police Commissioner P Vijayan have succeeded in quelling such crimes in the city to a great extent.