Karipur gold case exposes dacoity smuggling network

The police have busted a network involving alleged gold smuggling and a planned dacoity at the Calicut International Airport. The case emerged after the arrest of 16 people linked to rival gangs. The groups were allegedly trying to confiscate smuggled gold from an international passenger who arrived at the airport last Sunday (June 7).

The investigation began after police arrested 14 people, including a woman, who allegedly gathered at the airport on June 7 to kidnap a passenger and rob him of gold and cash. Acting on a tip-off, the police caught them from the airport parking lot.

Police said the accused arrived at the airport in five groups to carry out the robbery. Two cars, a scooter and 14 mobile phones were seized from them. WhatsApp chats recovered from the phones allegedly showed the planning of the operation.

According to the police, the group acted on the instructions of Ansar Kaippekandi, a native of Kannur based in Saudi Arabia, and Ali Akbar of Parappanangadi. Both were suspected of coordinating the operation.

The case unfolded after the police traced Mohammed Salman Salih of Munduparamba in Malappuram, who had arrived by plane on the same day and was reported missing by his family. He was later taken into custody.

During interrogation, Salman reportedly said that he had diverted the smuggled gold shipment instead of delivering it to the person named by its owner. Police said he was offered ₹40 lakh to hand over the gold to another party but decided to share it with associates.

Police said Salman left the airport with associates and went to a house in Mukkam, where they were joined by Sadhiq PP of Parappanangadi. They then traveled to Kochi, rented a room, opened a trolley bag of gold and divided the loot. Based on his statement, the police arrested Sadhiq and sent the two men to custody.

According to police, they were working to recover the gold and identify others involved. Police said the case pointed to a network where smuggling and robbery gangs vied for control of gold shipments at the Karipur airport. More arrests are expected.

Published – 13 Jun 2026 21:23 IST