Kochi, 12 July (H.S.):A man accused of carrying out an armed robbery aboard a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus more than three decades ago has been arrested after remaining on the run for 36 years. The accused, V.K. Jose (66), a native of Oorngattiri in Malappuram district, was taken into custody by the Thiruvambady police from Mysuru, where he had been living under a false identity.

Police said Jose had been residing in an apartment in Mysuru with his wife under the name 'Shivakumar.' After fleeing Kerala, he allegedly rebuilt his life in Karnataka, working as a painter, getting married, and raising a family. His two daughters are now married.

The case dates back to 1990, when Jose allegedly robbed a KSRTC bus at gunpoint after threatening the driver and conductor. The incident occurred after the Thiruvambady–Koombara service had completed its trip. Armed with a firearm, the accused allegedly forced the crew to hand over the day's cash collection before escaping. A case was registered at the Thiruvambady police station, but despite extensive efforts, he managed to evade arrest for decades.

The breakthrough came unexpectedly last week following a domestic dispute at Jose's residence in Mysuru. His wife dialled the police emergency helpline, 112, after an argument, prompting officers from the Narasimharaja Police Station to visit the apartment.

During the inquiry, officers became suspicious after noticing that Jose never allowed anyone to clean the area where he slept. A search of the room led to the recovery of a firearm and several documents hidden beneath his bed. The records raised further suspicion, prompting the Karnataka police to verify his identity.

After examining the documents, Mysuru police contacted their counterparts in Kerala, who confirmed that the man was the long-absconding accused in the 1990 armed robbery case.

Jose was subsequently arrested by the Thiruvambady police and brought back to Kerala, where further legal proceedings are under way.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman