Alacode: Wayanad police have arrested K.U. Muhammad (46) of  Kannur, a notorious thief accused in around 150 theft cases across and outside the state. Officers reached his residence disguised as KSEB employees, part of a pre-monsoon inspection drive to check power lines in the area, to confirm his presence before making the arrest.

The accused was taken into custody after being placed under surveillance for about a week. He was apprehended from Alacode, while travelling in a car. His associate, K.T. Joseph (72) also known as Kambalakad Jose was arrested separately from Mananthavady Boys Town.

Police said the duo was involved in a recent burglary in Kalpetta, where nine sovereigns of gold ornaments were stolen between the night of April 23 and the early hours of April 24. Joseph allegedly supplied information about houses left unoccupied, while Muhammad executed the break-ins. They reportedly broke locks and avoided CCTV surveillance by disguising themselves and covering their bodies, leaving only their eyes visible.

Background

Muhammad, who began committing thefts at the age of 18, has a long criminal history. He was previously arrested in 2000 by Kannur Town Police and again in 2008 by Irikkur Police in connection with multiple theft cases involving around 500 sovereigns of gold across 32 incidents. Police noted that he typically reverts to theft after being released on bail.

Respectable image in society

Despite his criminal record, Muhammad maintained a public image as a respectable businessman and philanthropist in the local community. He allegedly donated to voluntary organisations and earned goodwill in areas where he lived. He also posed as a real estate agent.

Investigators were surprised to discover that Muhammad and his family lived in a luxurious house at Alacode, built at a cost of around ₹2 crore. During a previous arrest in September 2017 linked to a Kozhikode robbery case, police recovered stolen gold ornaments from concealed chambers inside the house.

Authorities also said he had earlier owned a petrol pump in Kasaragod’s Belala area, possessed land in Thaliparamba and other locations, and drove luxury vehicles. In a previous case, police found him operating a furniture business while constructing an expensive house with illicit earnings.

According to police, Muhammad primarily targeted homes by breaking in through rear doors, focusing on stealing gold and cash. Investigations are continuing into his wider network and additional cases linked to him.