Bhatkal Police arrest grandson for robbing his own grandmother in shocking theft case

Bhatkal: 20 March 2025 (Bhatkallys News Bureau)  Local police have arrested a man for allegedly robbing his own 92-year-old grandmother in the guise of a masked thief. 

The accused, identified as 46-year-old Tajammul Hassan Askeri, was taken into custody on Wednesday, March 19, after an investigation revealed his involvement in the crime.  

The incident took place in the early hours of March 17, when the elderly woman was alone in her room while other family members were engaged in morning prayers. With the men away at the mosque for prayers, a masked intruder reportedly entered the house and forcefully snatched the gold ornaments from the elderly woman. According to the victim, the assailant covered her mouth and strangled her when she tried to scream for help.  

The crime, which was captured on CCTV cameras installed around the house, lasted barely four minutes. Soon after, a complaint was registered with the police, with none other than the accused, Askeri, lodging the report on behalf of his grandmother, portraying himself as a concerned family member. He even assisted the police in their initial investigation, attempting to divert suspicion away from himself.  

However, as police scrutinized the CCTV footage and tracked leads, inconsistencies in Askeri’s behavior and statements raised suspicions. Family members also began suspecting him when he abruptly disappeared from home two days after the robbery, fearing that the investigation was closing in on him.  

Sub-Inspector Naveen Naik, who led the investigation, confirmed that Askeri was arrested on March 19 and was due to be presented before the court later in the evening. 

The incident had triggered panic in local community, especially as it occurred during the holy month of Ramadan. With videos of the crime spreading on social media, many residents expressed concerns over security and urged others to remain cautious against similar offenses.