Thiruvananthapuram: A history-sheeter accused of breaking into two shops and stealing cash was arrested by Kovalam police on Sunday.The accused, Ramesh Kumar, 55, a native of Kuzhiratala in Panangode, Venganoor, was taken into custody following an investigation into the incidents reported on Feb 5. According to police, he broke the lock of Sutarya TV Care Service Center at Panangode, owned by Ratheesh, a native of Koliyoor, and decamped with a cash box containing Rs 15,000. He then targeted the adjacent Muruga Hair Dressing Shop owned by Vijayan, breaking open the shutter and stealing Rs 20,000 kept inside a wallet. Police said the accused is a known offender and figures in the rowdy list at Kovalam station. He previously served jail terms in around five criminal cases. The arrest was made after examining CCTV footage and collecting local intelligence inputs, police said. Further investigation is under way to ascertain whether he was involved in similar thefts in the area. Kovalam SHO J P Arun Kumar confirmed the arrest and said efforts are on to recover the stolen money.
