Absconding Kerala police officer held in Ernakulam over theft of seized tobacco

A senior civil police officer who had been evading arrest for ten days in connection with the theft of seized contraband from a police station in Wayanad district was taken into custody in Ernakulam district on Sunday morning.

Sabith, a senior civil police officer attached to the Sulthan Bathery police station, was detained by a special police team at Kalamassery. He had been untraceable since the alleged theft came to light on September 10, and was subsequently placed under suspension.

The case dates back to June 7, when seven bags of banned tobacco products were seized from a person at Dhottappankulam near Sulthan Bathery. Acting on directions from a magistrate court, the seized items were stored in a room at the police station. The disappearance came to notice on September 10 when officials inspected the room and found the products missing.

A theft case was registered and an investigation launched. Investigators found that the lock on the evidence room had not been broken, suggesting that the room had been opened with a key. A review of CCTV footage indicated that Sabith had allegedly entered the room and removed the products.

The special team had earlier traced his mobile phone to Ernakulam district, but he remained at large as he kept shifting locations. He was finally intercepted at Kalamassery following a tip-off.

The officer is to be taken to Sulthan Bathery, where he will be questioned before being produced before a magistrate for remand.