In a surprising incident, Bengaluru police have apprehended a young man for allegedly stealing a sump cover from the residence of internationally acclaimed musician and Grammy Award winner, Ricky Kej. The arrest sheds light on a petty crime that targeted a high-profile personality in the city.
The Arrest and the Accused
According to police reports, the arrested individual is Shivakumar, a 19-year-old from Neelasandra. Authorities revealed that the suspect worked as a scrap dealer, which provided him with both the opportunity and the means to commit the theft. The incident, which came to light on Thursday, December 18, 2025, was resolved with swift police action leading to the arrest.
Details of the Theft and Recovery
The stolen item, a sump cover, was reportedly taken from Kej's property. In a revelation that highlights the modest gains from the crime, police stated that Shivakumar sold the stolen sump cover for a mere Rs 700. The investigation led officers to track down the sale, ultimately connecting it back to the 19-year-old. The case underscores how even minor thefts are being pursued actively by the city's law enforcement.
Context and Implications
Ricky Kej, a Bengaluru-based composer, is a global icon in the music industry, having won multiple Grammy Awards for his environmental-themed albums. While the stolen item itself was not of high monetary value, the targeting of a celebrity's home raises concerns about security. The police have not indicated any other motive behind the theft beyond the apparent intention to sell it as scrap. This arrest serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges of petty crime in urban areas, even in neighborhoods inhabited by well-known figures.
The Karnataka police have demonstrated effective follow-up in this case, leading to a quick resolution. The incident was officially reported and updated by DHNS on December 18, 2025, at 17:13 IST.
