Mangalore : Belthangady Police have arrested seven  notorious thieves from Dharmasthala who were wanted in connection with several thefts.

The arrests had taken place on September 11 and the accused were produced before the media by the SP Abhishek Goel on September 17, Monday. He said the arrests were made with the help of the public and include three men, four women and three children. They are said to be  from Gadag.

Their modus operandi was to travel to various pilgrim shrines in their Tavera vehicle and  snatch gold ornaments from devotees after diverting their attention. They were wanted in similar cases even in Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Maharashtra.

The arrested are Srinivas alias Shinu (32), Maulana Saab (35), Suresh Soma Reddy Kodaganti 0(28), Lakkamma (45), Sharada (24), Thippavva (35) and  Kamala Parvati (65).

The police have seized the vehicle of the accused, five mobile phones, a pair of ear rings, 3 gold chains, one pearl set  and a cash of Rs 3,200/- cash.. The total value of the seized goods include Rs 7 lakhs