Bengaluru: Trio arrested for theft at mobile shop

Three students hailing from HSR Layout in Bengaluru have been apprehended by Sanjay Nagar police for their involvement in a daring theft at a mobile shop on New BEL Road.

Police identified the accused as Prabhu (20), Ajay (19), and Mounesh (21).

The stolen loot, valued at approximately 50 lakhs, included 50 mobile phones, 202 smartwatches, cameras, laptops, and various electronic gadgets. Notably, 29 iPhones were among the seized items. Additionally, a goods vehicle, a motorcycle, and tools used in the crime were also recovered.

Commissioner B. Dayananda disclosed in a press conference that the accused had forcibly entered the Gadget Club mobile shop on September 28 after breaking its rolling shutter.

The motive behind the crime traces back three months, when Prabhu, a BCA student, purchased a smartwatch from the same store. It’s believed that during this visit, he surreptitiously recorded footage of the shop’s merchandise using his mobile phone. On the fateful night, Prabhu, along with accomplices Ajay and Mounesh, forcibly gained entry, packed the stolen items, and transported them using the good vehicle of Ajay’s father.

The diligent efforts of Sanjay Nagar Police, led by Officer Bhagyavati J. Bunty, paid off as they meticulously gathered evidence, including CCTV footage and traffic records. The stolen goods were ultimately traced to a mushroom godown in HSR Layout, owned by Ajay’s father.

The investigation revealed that Prabhu resorted to theft as a means to settle mounting debts incurred from his extravagant lifestyle. Ajay and Mounesh collaborated in this criminal endeavor.

Notably, Ajay, who had previously achieved an impressive 98% in his PU exams, was swayed by Prabhu’s influence.