Rowdy-sheeter arrested for robbing beach visitors in Mangaluru

Mangaluru: A rowdy-sheeter has been arrested for allegedly robbing a group of  youth who had come to celebrate a birthday at the popular Tannirbhavi Beach, police said on Thursday. The accused, identified as Chandu Harish (33), a resident of Bengre, was taken into custody by Panambur Police Station officials.

The incident occurred in the early hours of March 13 when Ajay K. (29), a resident of Somwarpet in Kodagu district, along with his friends Ramesh and Rafeeq, arrived near Tannirbhavi Beach to celebrate his birthday. However, they reportedly lost their way and ended up near Kasaba Bengre.

“At around 2.30 am, the victims approached two men walking along the roadside to ask for directions,” police said. “The accused offered to guide them and got into the car.”

According to the complaint, the situation turned violent soon after. “The accused asked the driver to move ahead, then suddenly stopped the car and threatened the occupants with a screwdriver,” an officer said. “They also damaged the front windshield and intimidated the victims.”

The  accused allegedly robbed valuables including a Titan watch worth ₹9,000, a Fastrack watch worth ₹3,000, ₹2,000 in cash, a camera gimbal worth ₹8,000, a power bank worth ₹2,000 and a bracelet. The total value of stolen items, along with damage to the car, is estimated at ₹32,500.

Police said a third accomplice arrived on a motorcycle and helped the accused escape after the crime. Based on the complaint, a case was registered at Panambur police station and investigation was launched.

Inspector Saleem Abbas and his team conducted a swift operation and detained two suspects, Mohammed Sinan and Zaheer Nisar, from Kasaba Bengre on the same day. “We recovered some of the stolen items including a camera gimbal, Titan watch and the screwdriver used in the crime,” police said.

The prime accused, Chandu Harish, had initially gone absconding. He was arrested on April 22, and further recoveries were made, including a smartwatch, power bank and a TVS Apache bike used in the offence.

Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said, “The accused is a habitual offender with more than 30 cases registered against him. A rowdy sheet has already been opened, and three non-bailable warrants are pending against him.”

Police have urged visitors to remain cautious while travelling to isolated areas at night.