Ragpicker-turned-thief arrested, Rs 75 lakh worth valuables recovered

 

By Sagaya Fernando | 2 July 2025

Bengaluru, Karnataka, INDIA: A 43-year-old man who began his life in Bengaluru as a ragpicker has been arrested for allegedly committing thefts in over 130 houses across the city. Police have recovered stolen property worth ₹75 lakh from the accused, including gold and silver ornaments and two two-wheelers.

The accused, identified as Balaji alias Khadeema Prakash, a resident of Yadavanahalli near Attibele, reportedly turned to crime in 2001 to fund his addiction to drugs, alcohol, and betting, say the police. Over the years, he is said to have meticulously planned and executed burglaries across several neighbourhoods including Madiwala, HSR Layout, Bandepalya, MICO Layout, and Hulimavu.

Balaji, along with his alleged accomplice and receiver Rajendra alias Rajiv Gandhi—a tailor residing in Govindashetty Palya—was arrested by the Madiwala police. The police recovered 779 grams of gold, 100 grams of silver, and two motorcycles from the duo.

According to investigators, Balaji would target houses that were up for sale, posing as a prospective buyer. While interacting with the homeowners, he would either steal the door keys or secretly take photographs of them using his mobile phone. Months later, he would return to check for signs of female residents—such as women's footwear outside the home—assuming such houses were more likely to have gold ornaments.

Once confident the residents were away, he would enter using duplicate keys and flee with valuables. To avoid suspicion, he often dressed as a delivery agent, wearing T-shirts of popular e-commerce companies.

An officer involved in the investigation said Balaji had previously been arrested by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) in May last year and sent to jail. However, after being released, he continued his criminal activities, committing thefts at 13 more houses. He reportedly stopped using mobile phones to evade police tracking, but law enforcement officials were monitoring the phone calls of his wife and associates, which eventually led to his arrest.

The Madiwala police have booked him in connection with 133 house theft cases and are continuing their investigation.