Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Police Officer Held After Alleged Wayanad Tobacco Evidence Theft
A police officer named Sabith was arrested in Kerala.
Police suspect he took seven bags of banned tobacco products from a police station.
The products had been seized earlier and were being kept as evidence.
Officials discovered they were missing on September 10.
Sabith had reportedly been hiding for about 10 days.
Police tracked his phone but said he kept changing locations.
A tip helped officers find him near Kalamassery.
He will be questioned and then brought before a magistrate.
Senior Civil Police Officer Sabith was taken into custody near Kalamassery on Sunday.
He had been untraceable for about 10 days after the theft was discovered on September 10.
Police allege he removed seven bags of seized banned tobacco products from Sultan Bathery station.
Investigators said the evidence-room lock was intact and CCTV showed Sabith entering the room.
He was being taken to Sultan Bathery for questioning before being produced before a magistrate.
- Who
- Senior Civil Police Officer Sabith was taken into custody.
- What
- He is suspected of stealing seven bags of seized banned tobacco products from a police station.
- When
- He was taken into custody on Sunday, after the theft was discovered on September 10.
- Where
- He was intercepted near Kalamassery in Ernakulam district and was being taken to Sultan Bathery.
- Why
- Police allege he entered the evidence room and removed the seized products.
- Suspect
- Senior Civil Police Officer Sabith
- Location of alleged theft
- Sultan Bathery police station, Wayanad
- Items allegedly stolen
- Seven bags of seized banned tobacco products
- Theft discovered
- September 10
- Arrest location
- Near Kalamassery, Ernakulam district
- Investigation
- A special team was formed after Sabith was suspended
- Next step
- Questioning in Sultan Bathery followed by production before a magistrate