Crime Branch arrests absconding accused in 2005 theft of ivory and sandalwood billets from Forest department warehouse in Kerala’s Kasaragod

The Crime Branch in Kerala has apprehended Mohammed Farid, a fugitive accused of stealing elephant tusks and 100 kg of sandalwood billets from a Forest department warehouse near Kasaragod railway station in 2005. Farid, 60, also known as Mohammed Fathid, was apprehended by a Kasaragod Crime Branch team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Madhusoodanan Nair.

Farid fled after obtaining bail in the case, despite the filing of a chargesheet. He was brought before a court and detained in judicial custody for two weeks. According to Crime Branch officials, Farid is a key member of a gang involved in multiple thefts across Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. On the night of June 22, 2005, the gang allegedly entered the warehouse, overpowered and tied up the night watchman, and escaped with the stolen items in a van.

Using technical evidence and intelligence inputs, the Crime Branch traced Farid in Karnataka and arrested him during an operation. His interrogation has provided additional information about the case, including details about other absconding accused and further aspects of the crime. The arrest is seen as a significant breakthrough, with more arrests expected in the two-decade-old case.

Officials described the arrest as a major development and stated that further legal proceedings are underway. The case initially alleged that the gang had stolen wildlife articles and forest produce on behalf of certain individuals in Kasaragod.