Tannirbavi beach robbery: Absconding rowdy-sheeter arrested

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Apr 23, 2026: Police have arrested a rowdy-sheeter who had been absconding in connection with a robbery reported near Tannirbavi Beach. The accused, identified as Chandu Harris (33), a resident of Kasaba Bengre, was taken into custody by Panambur police on Wednesday.

Police said that stolen items, including a smartwatch, power bank, and the bike used in the crime, have been recovered from the accused. Chandu Harris has over 30 cases registered against him, and a rowdy sheet had already been opened against him at the Panambur police station. He was also wanted in three pending warrants in previous cases. After interrogation, he was produced before the court.

The robbery took place in the early hours of April 13 near Tannirbavi Beach. The complainant, Ajay K (29) from Somwarpet in Madikeri, had come to Mangaluru with his friends Ramesh and Rafiq to celebrate his birthday.

Around 2:30 am, while near Tannirbavi Beach, the group lost their way and headed towards Kasaba Bengre. They noticed two youths walking along the roadside and stopped to ask for directions. The youths offered to guide them and got into the car.

After travelling a short distance, the accused asked Ajay to stop the vehicle. They then threatened the complainant and his friends with a screwdriver and even damaged the car’s front glass. The accused robbed valuables including Titan and Fastrack watches, a camera gimbal, power bank, rolled gold bracelet, and Rs 2,000 in cash, amounting to around Rs 24,500.

Later, Chandu Harris allegedly arrived at the spot on a bike, collected the stolen items from the two accused, and fled with them. Including damage to the car windshield worth Rs 8,000, the total loss was estimated at Rs 32,500.

Based on the complaint, a case was registered at Panambur Police Station under relevant sections of the BNS-2023 and the Karnataka Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

During the investigation, police had earlier arrested two accused, Mohammed Sinan (24) and Zaheer Nisar (22), both from Kasaba Bengre, and recovered part of the stolen property and the weapon used in the crime.

The third accused, Chandu Harris, had been on the run but was finally apprehended on Wednesday. Further investigation is underway.