Andhra man held for stealing 40 bikes in Bengaluru; vehicles worth ₹30 lakh recovered

Bengaluru Police have arrested a 42-year-old man from Andhra Pradesh in connection with a string of two-wheeler thefts across the city. A total of 40 motorcycles, collectively valued at ₹30 lakh, were recovered from the accused, identified as Ravi Kumar.

Also read: Bengaluru Bullet Bike Theft: Duo studied BTech, but chose thievery, land in jail

Kumar, originally from Kadiri in Andhra Pradesh, had been living in Maruti Nagar, Bengaluru. Investigators revealed he had been targeting unattended two-wheelers from parking zones near bus stops, residential areas, and commercial complexes. He typically travelled using BMTC buses, scouted parking areas, and then stole vehicles using basic tools to break locks before fleeing undetected.

The Yelahanka police arrested him in June while probing a theft reported on April 6. CCTV footage and corroborative evidence led to his apprehension. Upon interrogation, Kumar admitted to stealing multiple vehicles over time. While he had already sold 11 bikes, the remaining 27 were stashed across various locations in Andhra Pradesh, awaiting sale.

Despite facing sandalwood smuggling charges in his home state, he largely kept a low profile in Bengaluru, funding his personal expenses through the proceeds of theft.

Kumar was presented in court on June 24 and remanded to 12 days in police custody for further investigation. Police confirmed he has a family in Andhra Pradesh and previously relied on irregular jobs for income.