Kerala man accused of theft caught partying in Goa

Panaji: A 34-year-old Kerala native, Manu, who allegedly came to Goa after committing theft to party and visit casinos, was detained by Goa police at a venue in Calangute on Sunday and later handed over to Kerala police for investigation.

PI (crime branch) Dattaguru Sawant said that on May 27, a case was registered at the Bekal police station in Kasargode district, Kerala, against the habitual accused.

Sawant said that the accused selected gold items, including rings and a necklace, and then presented a fraudulent online payment confirmation to the shop owner before fleeing with the gold articles thereby committing a criminal breach of trust and cheating.

“Based on intelligence from Kerala police indicating that the suspect, known for similar modus operandi, often seeks leisure in Goa following such offences,” Sawant said that a team was constituted along with Calangute police station and searches were conducted across various locations in Panaji and Calangute.

“Intelligence suggested the accused’s habit of frequenting casinos or party events upon commission of crime, Consequently Police alerted the management of casinos and party clubs,” the PI said.

He said following an extensive search, on May 30, information was received that Manu would be present at a party venue in Calangute..

“After confirming Manu’s identity, he was successfully apprehended. Kerala police officers, who were present in Goa, recovered the stolen gold articles from him and then took him to Kerala,” Sawant said.