Masked gang robs Rs 80 lakh from steel trader at gunpoint

Kochi: A masked gang robbed Rs 80 lakh from a steel trader at gunpoint in Kundannoor on Wednesday. The gang threatened the trader using a gun before fleeing in a car. Police intensified investigation and took one suspect into custody. He is currently being interrogated by a team led by senior police officers and his arrest will likely be recorded soon.The victim was identified as Subin Thomas, a resident of Thoppumpady and owner of National Steels. The incident happened at his office around 3pm. According to local councillor C V Santhosh, Thomas reportedly had close dealings with certain money transaction groups. About two weeks ago, he engaged in a financial deal with Jishnu from Kollam. It was during this transaction that he met Saji, an agent who later introduced him to Vishnu and Joji, members of a money-doubling racket based in Kochi.The group allegedly offered Thomas a deal promising Rs 1.2 crore in return for an investment of Rs 80 lakh. On Tuesday, Vishnu and Joji arrived at the office along with Saji to collect the money. As the cash was being counted, a three-member masked gang barged into the office with a gun, acting in the direction of Vishnu and Joji.The gang pointed a gun at Thomas, forced him to transfer the money into their bag and fled. When employees tried to intervene, they were also threatened at gunpoint. In the commotion, Vishnu and Joji managed to escape, and all suspects fled in a car believed to have headed toward Kundannoor.Although the office had CCTV cameras, they were non-functional for the past two months, leaving investigators without direct footage of the robbery. Police said they are now collecting visuals from nearby CCTV cameras to track the culprits and the getaway vehicle.