Malappuram: Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the case of robbing Kinathiyil Yusuf (50), the owner of MK Jewellers, and his brother Shanavas in Perinthalmanna. The robbers made off with 3.5 kg of gold valued at over Rs 2.5 crore in a daring heist that occurred on Thursday night.

The Thrissur East Police have taken Prabin Lal and Lijin Rajan, natives of Kannur, along with Satheesan and Nikhil, from Varandarappilly in Thrissur, into custody. Investigators suspect that at least five more individuals were part of the robbery gang. However, the stolen gold has not been recovered yet.

The incident took place around 8.45 pm near Alankar Theatre on Pattambi Road. Yusuf and Shanavas were heading home on a scooter after closing their jewellery shop, as was their routine.

The gang that attacked the duo were following them in a car. The attack happened just as they reached the gate of their house. The gang rammed their car into the scooter. Seizing the opportunity, the attackers sprayed pepper spray on Yusuf’s face, assaulted him, and grabbed the bag containing gold before fleeing in their car towards Cherpulassery. 

Yusuf, who suffered injuries in the attack, was taken to a private hospital for treatment. The Perinthalmanna police have launched an investigation and suspect that the gang had prior knowledge of the jeweller's routine.

The shop operates from an old building on Ooty Road, which lacks secure storage facilities. To mitigate risks, Yusuf would routinely carry the jewellery home in a bag each night. This practice likely made him a target for the robbers.