Kochi: The Special Investigation team probing the Perumbavoor theft case has identified 36-year-old Ajims as the mastermind behind the act even as the National Investigation Agency sleuths interrogated another accused Abdul Halim for the second consecutive day on “terror angle” of the crime. “We’re currently verifying the motive of the well orchestrated theft, especially whether it was to fund terror activities. We’re yet to record Halim’s arrest as more information needs to be dug out,” a senior police officer said.
On Friday last, an eight-member gang came in an Innova car bearing 'For Registration' board at Parappuram Palipparambil Sidhique Abdul Rahman (54) 's residence disguised as Vigilance officers. They then ‘seized’ 60 sovereign gold and Rs 25, 000 in cash during the fake raid. Police said six more persons were involved in the loot besides the eight-member gang. So far police registered arrest of Perumbavoor native Ajims, Rahees (20) of Muppathadam and Sanoob (26) of Kottappuram while Halim is also under their custody.
“The remaining accused will be caught soon as we’ve got definite lead,” the officer said. Meanwhile, Ajims, Rahees and Sanoob were produced before the judicial first class magistrate court, Perumbavoor, which remanded them in police custody till August 29. The three were booked for dacoity while a separate case was registered against Ajims under the Arms Act on recovery of a pistol, country made sword and dagger.
According to police, Rahees and Sanoob had observed the house in a rented car before operating the raid on the direction of Ajims. The latter had been staying in a house close to Rahman’s residence till four months back and acquainted with the family. It was on Ajims’ direction Halim and team reached the house in a rented SUV and raided the house in the guise of Vigilance sleuths.
