Man arrested in connection with Belthangady substation theft case after accomplice’s death

Man arrested in connection with Belthangady substation theft case after accomplice’s death

Mangalore Today News Network

Belthangady, Jul 16, 2026: A 36-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a theft at an electricity receiving station in Kuvettu village, following an investigation into the death of his alleged accomplice earlier this month.

The accused, Ibrahim Latheef, a resident of Kashipatna village in Belthangady taluk, was taken into custody by Belthangady Police on Thursday.

According to the investigation, Mustaq, whose body was found near the SLV E Power Private Limited Receiving Station in Shaktinagar, Kuvettu, on July 1, had allegedly entered the premises along with Ibrahim Latheef to steal materials from the facility.

Police said they suspect Mustaq died accidentally after a wire became entangled around his neck during the alleged theft attempt. Evidence collected during the investigation indicated that both men had trespassed into the premises to commit the theft, leading to Ibrahim Latheef’s arrest.

The incident came to light after the manager of the receiving station noticed pieces of old aluminium wire scattered inside the compound near the spot where Mustaq’s body was discovered. A subsequent inspection revealed that bundles of old aluminium wire and other materials stored within the premises were missing.

The manager later lodged a complaint with the police, based on which a case was registered and an investigation was launched. During the probe, investigators allegedly established Ibrahim Latheef’s involvement in the theft, resulting in his arrest.