Kozhikode, Kerala: Stealing goats and chickens is often associated with petty thieves. But Shameer, better known as 'Aadu Shameer' (Goat Shameer), is accused of operating on a very different scale. He is linked to kidnappings, robberies, attacks on police personnel and contract crimes related to financial disputes. He avoids making phone calls to reduce the chances of being tracked. Instead, he allegedly communicates only through WhatsApp using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). After carrying out major crimes, he frequently leaves India and stays abroad until the situation cools down.

The latest case against him relates to the alleged kidnapping of a businessman from Malappuram's Vandoor and the subsequent attack on police officers who attempted to arrest him.

Shameer is a native of Kunnunkai in Kasaragod district, a quiet hill village. He entered the world of crime after returning from the Gulf.

His first recorded case dates back to 2014, when he was accused of carrying out a robbery in Vidyanagar, Kasaragod, after allegedly throwing chilli powder at the victim. The incident earned him the nickname 'Mulakupodi Shameer' (Chilli Powder Shameer).

He later allegedly began stealing goats tied along roadsides and selling them. Shameer had worked as a butcher, and this background apparently led him to target goats. After being repeatedly caught in goat theft cases, he became widely known as 'Aadu Shameer'. Alakode Police Station in Kannur alone has registered five goat theft cases against him.

Shameer is now named in 18 cases, including kidnapping, robbery, attacking police personnel and offences linked to financial transactions.

Expansion of criminal activities

After moving away from goat theft, Shameer allegedly joined criminal gangs operating in Uppala. Cases were subsequently registered against him at police stations across Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad and Kozhikode districts.

In 2020, Bekal Police booked him in connection with a gang robbery and an alleged attempt to shoot a man dead.

In 2023, Shameer admitted his involvement in the kidnapping of an expatriate at Parappanpoyil near Thamarassery over a financial dispute. He has reportedly admitted to police that the crime was carried out on behalf of Monaayi, a notorious criminal from Kasaragod alleged to have links with underworld figure Ravi Pujari.

Initially active in Kasaragod, Shameer later shifted his base after marrying a woman from Malappuram. He subsequently operated in the Koduvally and Thamarassery regions.

In April last year, Shameer and his associates allegedly attacked bus workers at Koduvally following a dispute over traffic obstruction. During an attempt to escape, they are accused of throwing an explosive object at a police jeep and ramming it with a car.

Following the incident, he was remanded in custody and detained under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA).

Police have invoked the KAAPA against him twice because of his alleged status as a habitual offender. On one occasion, however, he spent only a few days in jail after the High Court quashed the preventive detention order.

Police and local residents believe Shameer has the financial backing and support network needed to secure bail quickly whenever he is arrested.

Despite the number of cases registered against him, Shameer has been convicted in only two cases so far—one related to creating a disturbance while under the influence of alcohol and another involving a cannabis case registered in 2019.

When he was arrested at Koduvally last year, police formally recorded his arrest in several other pending cases as well.