'Bihar Robinhood' Google searched Kochi `posh areas'; attempted theft in 3 houses

Kochi: The notorious figure dubbed as the 'Bihar Robinhood,' Muhammad Irfan (35), was brought to Kochi after being held from Udupi, Karnataka. Irfan, who made headlines for his theft from film director Joshiy's residence, reached Kochi on Monday morning.

Speaking to the press, City Police Commissioner S Syamsundar revealed that Irfan had traveled from Bihar with the intent to commit theft, arriving in Kochi on April 20. With the help of Google assistance, he meticulously identified affluent neighborhoods in Kochi, targeting Panampilly Nagar, where Joshiy's house was located. Not confining his efforts to Joshiy's residence alone, Irfan attempted theft in three other houses within the vicinity prior to his arrest.

Irfan's criminal record is extensive, with allegations spanning across 19 theft cases in six states across the country. He is implicated in a burglary at the residence of Bhima Jewellery's owner in Thiruvananthapuram. The breakthrough in Irfan's case came with a CCTV footage from Joshiy's home, which captured a suspicious Honda Accord car linked to the theft. Tracing the vehicle's movements led investigators to Udupi, where Irfan was eventually apprehended with the aid of Karnataka Police.

The car bore a distinctive emblem of the 'Sitamarhi Zila Panchayat President' from Bihar, shedding light on Irfan's familial ties to positions of authority in his native district. It was disclosed that Irfan, despite being embroiled in various criminal activities, had been released from custody just a month prior to his latest theft. All stolen jewelry from Joshiy's residence was recovered.

Addressing the media, the City Police Commissioner stressed on the need for a thorough investigation into potential local accomplices aiding Irfan's criminal endeavors.