Chennai, Sept 29:
Police have arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with the theft of 118 sovereigns of gold jewellery from the house of a popular woman YouTuber in the Anantha Nadar Kudiyiruppu area near Nagercoil in Kanniyakumari district.
The arrested man has been identified as Isakki Pandian, son of Chinnathurai, from the Srivaikuntam area of Thoothukudi district. Police said he had allegedly planned the theft after watching the victim’s videos and reels on social media.
The woman, Madhumitha, is the wife of businessman Vinoth Kumar, who is from Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district. Madhumitha is popular on YouTube and other social media platforms, where she regularly posts reels and videos.
According to the report, she had uploaded videos showing herself wearing different clothes and jewellery and displaying large amounts of cash, including videos in which she appeared to be showered with currency notes.
The family had purchased a house in the Anantha Nadar Kudiyiruppu area near Nagercoil a few years ago. On September 24, Madhumitha and her husband had gone out in the evening when unidentified persons allegedly entered the house and stole 118 sovereigns of gold jewellery. The incident created a stir in Kanniyakumari district.
Following the robbery, speculation circulated on social media that the videos in which the YouTuber displayed her wealth may have helped the burglars identify the house and its valuables. Police, however, proceeded with their investigation by examining CCTV footage and other evidence.
Special teams were formed to trace the suspects. Investigators examined CCTV footage from cameras installed around the house and other locations.
The footage showed two suspicious persons travelling on a motorcycle while wearing helmets and face masks. They were also seen carrying what appeared to be delivery bags.
Police subsequently examined footage from more than 600 CCTV cameras installed at important locations across the district. Investigators traced the movements of the suspects from the area near Madhumitha’s house. One of the suspects was seen moving towards Parvathipuram, while another was traced towards Tirunelveli.
Based on the CCTV evidence, police identified and secured Isakki Pandian. During the investigation, police reportedly found that he had watched Madhumitha’s reels and allegedly planned the robbery after obtaining information from her social media posts.
He was subsequently arrested in connection with the theft.