Bantwal: The police have arrested three persons involved in over 24 crime cases in various places, in and outside the state, at Saradka Checkpost on Thursday morning. The cops seized three cars and three bikes from them.

Kempaiah alias Harish Shetty alias Ravi (45) from Chandkuru in Belthangady taluk, Farooq alias Ummer Farooq (30) from Manjeshwara and Sathish Bhandary alias Sathish (52) from Mangaluru are the arrested.

Their aide Ashraf from Miyapadau is said to have fled the country.

The gang had tried to loot an areca dealer near Anatheshwara Temple in Vittal after splashing chilli powder couple of years ago. The same gang had attempted to murder a businessman in Moodabidri station limits.

There are over 24 robbery, vehicle lifting and various other cases registered against them in various place.

As per police, Kempaiah is a big catch.

Theft of 25 kg gold from Hyderabad Rajalaskhmi Jewellers, 21 kg gold theft from Banasavadi Chemmannur jewellers, theft of Rs 1.91 cr from R T Nagar Corporation Bank, five burglary cases in Mumbai stand registered against Harish alias, Kempaiah alone. He had served eight years jail.

Sathish Bhandary is an accused in 6-year-old Panambur shootout case.