What drove a hungry thief to cook a meal and steal Rs 25,000 in Kerala?
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Synopsis
In an unusual twist of events, a thief in Kerala not only robbed a hotel but also took the time to cook and enjoy a meal before fleeing with cash. This bizarre incident has left the local community astonished and raised questions about security measures in place.
Key Takeaways
- A thief broke into a hotel and cooked a meal.
- The incident raised questions about hotel security.
- The suspect was identified through CCTV footage.
- Police linked the suspect to other thefts in the area.
- The case highlights societal issues surrounding crime.
Palakkad, June 18 (NationPress) The Kerala Police apprehended a thief on Wednesday who had illegally entered a hotel near Palakkad last month, prepared and consumed a full meal, and then escaped with Rs 25,000 in cash and other belongings.
The incident transpired on the night of May 22 at a local hotel in Chandranagar, a suburb of Palakkad.
The suspect, identified as Shivakumar, a repeated offender from Marthandam, located near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border in Thiruvananthapuram, gained entry into the hotel after midnight by breaking through the back door.
Upon entering, the man made his way directly to the kitchen. CCTV footage revealed that he discovered eggs, ignited the stove, and prepared himself an omelette. Unfulfilled, he then searched the refrigerator and found a packet of raw beef, which he leisurely cooked and consumed — spending over an hour in the hotel.
After devouring his makeshift meal, the man further explored the premises and came across a purse containing Rs 25,000, which was allegedly left behind by the hotel owner.
Moreover, he also took an offertory box from a nearby temple before vanishing into the night.
The following morning, when the hotel staff opened up, they were astonished to find the partially used beef packet and the kitchen in chaos. Their suspicions were confirmed when they reviewed the CCTV footage and saw the intruder calmly cooking and helping himself to both food and cash.
A police complaint was lodged on May 23, and the CCTV visuals were shared with the Palakkad police.
The police disseminated the suspect's images to stations across neighboring districts. The breakthrough occurred on Wednesday when the suspect was identified and apprehended in Thrissur.
The accused will be presented before a judicial magistrate in Palakkad. Authorities have also begun procedures to connect him with other reported thefts in the area.
Point of View
My perspective is firmly rooted in the belief that incidents like these highlight the complex societal issues at play. While crime is never justified, understanding the motivations behind such actions can lead to a more informed discussion about crime prevention and community safety.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the hotel near Palakkad?
A thief broke into a hotel, cooked a meal, and stole Rs 25,000.
How did the police catch the thief?
The police used CCTV footage to identify the suspect and circulated his images to neighboring districts.
What items did the thief steal?
The thief stole Rs 25,000 in cash and an offertory box from a nearby temple.
When did this incident occur?
The incident took place on May 22.
Where was the thief arrested?
The thief was arrested in Thrissur.
