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A former travel operator who turned to crime after COVID losses has been arrested by Baiyappanahalli police, exposing 18 theft cases and multiple Bengaluru burglaries.
Bengaluru police have arrested a serial burglar who allegedly turned to theft after suffering financial losses in his travel business during the COVID-19 pandemic. The accused, identified as Raja, was nabbed by the Baiyappanahalli police, leading to the recovery of 1.25 kilograms of gold jewellery valued at ₹1.84 crore.
According to police, Raja, a resident of Davanagere, previously operated a travel business that collapsed during the pandemic, leaving him in severe financial distress. To sustain himself, he reportedly began committing house burglaries, always wearing a mask to hide his identity. This distinctive method earned him the nickname “Mask Man” among investigators.
Also Read:Lost & found: RPF returns ₹19 lakh worth of jewellery and cash to passenger at Yelahanka
Police revealed that Raja would never venture out without wearing a mask and carefully selected residential targets. Over time, he allegedly committed a series of thefts, focusing mainly on stealing gold jewellery. Investigations have confirmed that at least 18 theft cases have been registered against him so far.
His arrest has helped crack four major burglary cases reported across Bengaluru. Acting on specific intelligence, the Baiyappanahalli police team traced his movements and detained him, following which they recovered stolen gold weighing 1.25 kg from his possession.
Senior officers said the seized gold is estimated to be worth ₹1.84 crore. Further investigation is underway to determine if the accused is involved in additional theft cases in other districts or states.
