Madurai

Following complaints of bike lifting in Madurai city, Police Commissioner S Davidson Devasirvatham formed special teams to nab the accused.

To their shock, police found Vijayan alias Samuel, a native of Usilampatti, who completed Theological studies in Cumbum, was engaged in preaching, but yet to be ordained involved in the crime. A total of 11 stolen vehicles were recovered from him, said K Palanikumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Madurai City (Crime).

The accused confessed to the crime and said he committed bike thefts since March to tide over the cash crisis due to COVID-19 lockdown to provide for his wife and three children. He usually targeted the two-wheelers of girls and women who used small scooters, as most leave the keys on their bike while buying one or two items from nearby shops. He used the 5-minute gap to lift such vehicles.

Cases concerning two-wheeler thefts were booked by Subramaniapuram police and also in SS Colony over the last three months, the Deputy Commissioner said. According to the Inspector of Police, SS Colony (Crime), four two-wheelers that were stolen over the last three months from the area have been recovered in the wake of his arrest.