Wayanad: A police officer who had been on the run for 10 days after allegedly stealing seven bags of seized banned tobacco products from Sultan Bathery police station was taken into custody in Ernakulam district on Sunday, officials said.

Senior Civil Police Officer Sabith, who is suspected of removing the seized products from the station, was intercepted near Kalamassery following a tip-off, police said.

Also Read

placeholder

Mystery surrounds construction of Anto Augustine’s house in Wayanad; One floor on paper, 3 floors in reality

placeholder

Father overjoyed, mother proud; Family celebrates Vidarsa’s silver medal; historic first for Kerala

Officer tracked down in Ernakulam

Sabith had been untraceable since the theft came to light on September 10 and was recently suspended from service. A special team was formed to locate him.

Although investigators traced his mobile phone to Ernakulam, they could not immediately find him as he kept changing locations, officials said.

Following a tip-off on Sunday, police intercepted and took him into custody near Kalamassery.

He is being taken to Sultan Bathery for interrogation and will be produced before a magistrate as part of the remand procedure.
Also read | No long-term deals since Oommen Chandy govt; Kerala now faces power crisis; What happened in 12 years?

Seized tobacco products stolen

Police had seized seven bags of banned tobacco products from a person at Dhottappankulam near Sultan Bathery on June 7. The seized items were produced before a magistrate, who directed that they be kept at the police station.

During an inspection on September 10, officials found that the tobacco products were missing from the evidence room.

A theft case was subsequently registered and a DySP-rank officer was assigned to investigate.
Also read | ‘Legal procedure followed’: Kerala DGP on Reporter TV raid amid criticism

CCTV footage points to officer

During the investigation, police found that the lock of the evidence room was intact, suggesting that it had been opened using a key.

A detailed examination of CCTV footage from the station allegedly showed Sabith entering the room and removing the seized tobacco products, officials said.

(With PTI inputs)