Kozhikode City: Notorious thief Zakaria (41), also known as Kalaranthiri Zakaria from Koduvalli, was arrested by the City Crime Squad led by Town Assistant Commissioner Suresh KG and Kasaba Police led by Kasaba Sub Inspector Jag Mohandathan. Zakaria had broken into and robbed three shops in front of Kottaparam Hospital, Kozhikode Palayam. The police identified him through CCTV footage from the targeted shops and nearby areas. Acting on intelligence that the suspect was in the Wayanad Batheri area, the Kasaba police sub-inspector and team apprehended Zakaria while he was hiding in a lodge in Batheri.
Recently released from Thiruvananthapuram Central Jail on the 6th of last month, Zakaria attempted multiple thefts before coming to Kozhikode, where he rented a room in a lodge to facilitate his crimes. After committing thefts in three shops in Kottaparam, he moved to Sultan Batheri and continued his criminal activities while leading a lavish lifestyle. Zakaria is implicated in about 150 cases across Kerala and other states, with approximately 15 warrants against him in various police stations in Kerala. A detailed investigation is underway to determine if there are additional accomplices involved.
Following instructions from the Deputy Police Commissioner Mr. Anuj Paliwal, IPS, a special team was formed to curb thefts, resulting in Zakaria’s arrest within 48 hours. The police recovered the wire knife used to break into the shops and other stolen materials. The investigation team included Sub Inspector Jag Mohandathan, Senior Civil Police Officers Sajesh Kumar P, Sudharman P, Rajeev Kumar Palath, City Crime Squad members M Shalu, CK Sujith, and Cyber Cell personnel.
