Kozhikode City: Hasimuddin (30), the main accused in the case involving the brutal attack and robbery of an elderly couple in Mathara, was arrested at his residence in Tirurangadi Chantapadi Chundail by the Hon’ble City Police Commissioner, Mr. Narayanan. The arrest was made by a team consisting of the City Special Action Group led by TIPAC and the Pantheerangadi Inspector, under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Mr. AM Siddiqui and Mr. G. Biju Kumar.
The incident, which took place on the morning of August 27, involved the accused observing an elderly man on a morning walk with his dog. After confirming that the man’s wife was alone in the house, Hasimuddin entered through the front of the property and attacked the housewife from behind, covering her face. He then snatched a gold necklace from her neck at knifepoint, threatening her to remove her bangles or face death. When her husband arrived and attempted to intervene, the assailant attacked him and pushed his wife aside.
Given the gravity of the case, a specialized investigation team, led by the City Police Commissioner, was formed. The accused was arrested within 17 days after a thorough investigation. Hasimuddin had used three auto-rickshaws to travel to Arikkad and then walked along the railway track and beach to evade capture. The police examined around 200 CCTV footages over 15 days and discreetly investigated ex-convicts involved in similar crimes.
Once the suspect was identified, the Special Action Group tracked him to Bangalore, where they learned he was planning to return to Kerala and then flee to the Gulf. The investigation team returned to Kozhikode and monitored the accused’s associates, ultimately leading to his arrest.
Hasimuddin has a history of criminal activity, including an MDMA case registered at Farok station last year, as well as cases of pawning fake gold at Tirurangadi and Parapanangadi police stations. Known for his ability to deceive others by dressing well and speaking persuasively, he was living in a rented flat for Rs.21,000 per month and spent time at a business park. He had left behind a helmet, knife, and raincoat at South Beach.
During interrogation, the accused confessed to selling the stolen gold in Vengara before fleeing to Bangalore. The police plan to take him into custody for further questioning, to investigate possible involvement in other crimes, and to recover the stolen gold. He was produced in court and remanded into custody.
The investigation team included Sub-Inspector O. Mohandas, Hadil Kunnummal, Sreejith Padiyath, Shaheer Perummanna, Sumesh Aroli, Rakesh Chaitanyam, Pantheerangadi Police Station Sub-Inspector Shaji, Pramod M. Subish, and Cyber Cell officer Skylesh Farooq Sub-Inspector Anoop.
