Police Officer Arrested for Alleged Theft of Seized Tobacco in Wayanad
A Senior Civil Police Officer, Sabith, was taken into custody in Ernakulam after being on the run for 10 days for allegedly stealing seven bags of seized banned tobacco products from Sultan Bathery police station in Wayanad. The theft was discovered on September 10 during an inspection. Police found the evidence room lock intact but CCTV footage showed Sabith accessing and removing the seized goods. He was suspended and is being taken back for interrogation and remand proceedings.
First-hand measurement across 2 sources
We measured how 2 outlets covered this story. No outlet gave this story a measurable political slant — there is no left–right reading to report. Overall sentiment is negative (36/100). Lens Score 46/100.
Outlets measured: hindustantimes, news18. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
Sentiment was consistent across outlets (35–38/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
news18 broke this story on 20 Sept, 08:16 am. Other outlets followed.
- 1news1820 Sept, 08:16 amPolice officer on run for over one week held in Wayanad tobacco theft case
- 2hindustantimes20 Sept, 08:27 amPolice officer on run for over one week held in Wayanad tobacco theft case
Accountability flags
TBN's analysis identified the following accountability dimensions in this story.
- abuse of power
This story involves alleged misuse of official authority or institutional position to achieve personal or political ends.
Who's involved
Institutions and figures named across source coverage.
Story context
- Category
- Crime
- Location
- Wayanad district, India
- Sources analysed
- 2
- Last analysed
- 20 Sept 2026
- Key entities
- Police officerTobaccoWayanad districtTheftSultan BatheryKalamasseryErnakulam districtMagistratePress Trust of IndiaPolice stationCivil Police Officer