Recent Attack On Kerala-Bound Car On A Highway Near Coimbatore Could Be Part Of A Pattern

An armed attack on a Kerala-bound car near Madukkarai on NH 544 in Coimbatore on 14 June, which was the subject of much discussion, especially on social media, may not have been just an isolated incident. 

According to a report by The Hindu, it is a part of a persistent pattern of highway robberies in the region. A 40-km stretch between Walayar and Neelambur has long been a favoured target for carjackers and robbery gangs, the report stated, based on conversations with police officers who have served in the area. Victims frequently include businessmen, families, and individuals carrying unaccounted cash or hawala money.

In December 2020, a businessman from Malappuram and his friend were attacked and had their car stolen, which was later found with hidden cash. In another case in 2018, a family from Guruvayur was robbed at Ettimadai bridge, losing jewellery, cash, and a mobile phone.

Coimbatore District Superintendent of Police V Badrinarayanan stated that patrol vehicles on the stretch have been increased from two to four. 

Four persons alleged to be involved in the latest attack have been arrested by the Coimbatore police. All of them belonged to places in Kerala’s Palakkad district.

The gang had chased the car of Aslam Siddique, who works in the advertising business and was returning from Bengaluru, and attacked it with weapons. Siddique and his companions however managed to escape.