Police arrested a six-member gang in connection with the theft of computers and other equipment worth several lakhs of rupees from the Government Women and Children Hospital, Ponnani.

The stolen items included computers, motor pump sets, batteries and other electrical equipment.

The accused were identified as Shafeeq Moosammakkanakath, 26, Shahad Thareekkanakath, 24, Nasil Koorattan Valappil, 22, Sifarath Kaliyarakath, 21, Fahad Thareekkanakath, 20, and Aslam Chokkantakath, 23, all from Ponnani and nearby areas.

The police said the group stole materials worth ₹3 lakh from a building under construction for a new isolation ward at the hospital. The thefts were carried out over several nights, and the stolen goods were reportedly transported on scooters.

Hospital authorities noticed repeated thefts around ten days ago and conducted an internal inspection. Suspicion arose after iron rods were found behind the building. A surveillance camera was then installed at the site, which later captured the accused removing and transporting materials.

Based on CCTV footage and subsequent surveillance, police identified and arrested the suspects.

Police said the stolen items were sold at low prices to a scrap dealer at Maramuttathu. The accused were produced before a court and remanded in judicial custody.