The Thrissur Rural police have arrested a 68-year-old habitual offender, known as ‘Kozhi Paulose’, who is accused of carrying out thefts in nearly 100 places of worship across Thrissur and Ernakulam districts in Kerala.

The accused, identified as Paulose Kachappally of Mekkatt, had allegedly been involved in a series of burglaries targeting temples, churches and other religious institutions over the years.

The police said further investigation was underway to trace stolen items and identify additional cases linked to the accused.