Sabarimala: Three thieves who were part of a gang who used to create artificial crowding to steal goods from Ayyappa pilgrims were arrested at Sabarimala on Thursday. They were identified as Karupayya, Shelvam and Kanmaniraju of Gudalloor near Theni.
The gang used to mob Ayyappa devotees and flipped money after tearing cloth bags with blades.
The accused who targeted guruswamies got updates on potential targets on phone by gang members identified as Pandyan and Bhagavathi.
The group arrested near Sannidhanam was confirmed as history sheeters of Theni district, said Sannidhanam SI Vinod Kumar.
Meanwhile, the excise officals confiscated illegal tobacco products, including cigars from traders. Presently, the sales of illegal products are done by vendors on move. However, once season picks up, shops too start selling them.
