Thiruvananthapuram, 15 Nov (H.S.):

Police have taken a jewellery shop owner into custody in connection with the gold robbery at Chala, with investigators suspecting that business rivalry prompted a contract gang to target Vaishnavi Jewellery owner Nandakumar.

Jayaram, the owner of Malavika Jewellery, was detained after Nandakumar told police that he had threatened him earlier. His alleged role is being examined as investigators probe links between jewellery traders and those arrested in connection with the robbery.

Police suspect resentment over Nandakumar’s expanding business could have motivated the crime. Nandakumar, who previously operated a small gold shop in Chala, had recently increased his business substantially and purchased a large house, reportedly fuelling hostility among some competitors.

Investigators are examining information that another jewellery owner, originally from Maharashtra, commissioned the robbery. According to the suspected sequence of events, the trader and Dileep, who had previously been accused in gold robbery cases, decided to target Nandakumar.

The plan was allegedly discussed during a drinking session and developed with the involvement of Chala resident Anoop. The gang was reportedly promised more than half the proceeds from the robbery.

A WhatsApp display photograph of one of the accused, known as “Shadow Ani”, provided a crucial lead that helped police identify and trace the suspects.

After carrying out the robbery, the accused allegedly abandoned their two-wheeler at Pappanamcode and boarded a waiting car belonging to Anoop Raj. They then travelled to Tamil Nadu.

On learning that police were pursuing them, the suspects moved to Bengaluru before travelling to Wayanad, where officers intercepted their car and apprehended them.

Three suspects were arrested in Wayanad and two others in Thiruvananthapuram. Jayaram’s detention comes as police examine the alleged conspiracy behind the robbery and seek to establish the respective roles of the traders suspected of commissioning it and the gang that carried it out.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman