In a significant breakthrough, the Bengaluru Police have successfully apprehended a gang of burglars responsible for a daring and high-value theft in the city's Hennur area. The criminals made off with cash, gold, and silver ornaments worth a staggering ₹1.14 crore from the residence of a businessman. Their capture came after a meticulous investigation that revealed a surprisingly methodical and cautious approach to the crime.
The Meticulous Heist: Helmets and Silent Phones
The burglary took place on March 24 at the home of businessman Manjunath, located in the Hennur suburb. When the family returned home, they discovered their safe had been looted. The Hennur police, led by Inspector K.N. Shashidhar, immediately launched an investigation. Scrutinizing over 200 CCTV footage clips from the vicinity proved to be the key.
The footage painted a picture of a highly disciplined gang. The four accused were seen wearing helmets not just while riding their motorcycles, but also while committing the burglary, effectively concealing their faces. In a further move to avoid detection, they had switched off their mobile phones throughout the entire operation to prevent any cellular tracking.
Their planning extended to the escape route. The gang used a circuitous path through Kothanur, Thanisandra, and Bagalagunte to eventually reach their hideout in Tumakuru, clearly aiming to throw off any potential pursuers.
The Arrests and Recovery of Stolen Goods
Through persistent technical and physical surveillance, the police identified and arrested the four individuals involved. The accused have been named as Manoj, Sunil, Naveen, and Ravi. Upon arrest, a major portion of the stolen property was recovered from their possession.
The police confirmed the recovery of ₹29.5 lakh in cash, 2.5 kg of gold ornaments, and 4.5 kg of silver articles. The total recovered value stands at approximately ₹80 lakh. Investigations are ongoing to trace the remaining stolen items worth the balance amount.
Modus Operandi and Police Findings
Interrogation of the accused shed light on their modus operandi. The gang specifically targeted standalone houses, conducting thorough reconnaissance of the areas beforehand. They chose houses that appeared locked and where the occupants were likely to be away.
To gain entry, they used specialized tools to break open window grills and door locks. Their primary target inside the homes was invariably the safe. The police have also discovered that the gang was involved in similar burglary cases in other police station limits across Bengaluru. They are now working to connect the accused to these other unsolved crimes.
The successful crackdown by the Hennur police serves as a stark reminder for homeowners to enhance their security measures. It also highlights the sophisticated methods employed by modern criminals, who use both low-tech tactics like helmets and high-tech awareness like avoiding phone tracking to evade capture.
