Police Officer Absconding for 10 Days Arrested for Stealing Evidence From Bathery Police Station

Bathery: Police officer Sabith has been arrested in connection with the theft of seven sacks of Hans, which had been kept as evidence at the Bathery police station. The arrest was made on the 10th day after the accused was identified. The investigation team also suspects that Sabith received assistance from within the police station to remain in hiding.

Around 12,000 packets of Hans stored in seven sacks were taken from the station. CCTV footage showing Sabith removing the Hans from the station has been obtained. He allegedly arrived in his car and carried away the sacks containing the tobacco products. The theft took place at night when only the police personnel on guard duty were present.

Sabith was arrested from Kalamassery in Ernakulam. Investigating officers said evidence collection would be conducted after bringing him to Wayanad.

On June 7, Bathery Police and the district anti-narcotics squad had seized seven sacks of Hans and 1,800 packets of Cool Lip from a warehouse owned by Isakh at Moorkhanparambil in Dottappankulam, Bathery.

The Bathery court had directed that the seized contraband be kept in the store room of the police station. The key to the store room was kept in the Assistant Writer's office. The missing evidence was discovered the following day when the station writer opened the store room for cleaning.