‘Psycho’ thief stealing women’s innerwear arrested in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Even as Karnataka has witnessed a spate of bank and ATM robbery cases in recent months, another disturbing trend has come to light with incidents of women’s innerwear theft being reported across the state.

After a similar case in Hubballi last September, Bengaluru has now reported an identical incident, with police arresting a 23-year-old man for stealing women’s inner garments and engaging in deviant behaviour.

The accused, identified as Amal, a native of Kerala, was arrested by Hebbagodi police from the Vidyanagar area on the outskirts of Bengaluru. According to the police, Amal had been targeting residential buildings and houses where women’s innerwear was left out to dry on balconies, terraces, or open spaces.

Investigations revealed that the accused would roam around neighbourhoods, discreetly surveying houses from a distance to identify potential targets. Once he confirmed that the residents were not at home, he would trespass into the premises and steal women’s inner garments.

Police said Amal later wore the stolen innerwear, clicked photographs of himself, and derived perverse pleasure from the acts. During interrogation, the police recovered several photographs from Amal’s mobile phone, in which he was seen wearing the stolen garments.

A search of his rented accommodation also led to the recovery of a collection of women’s innerwear, allegedly stolen from multiple houses in the area. A similar case had earlier shocked residents of Hubballi, where a man was caught stealing women’s inner garments and indulging in obscene acts.

The recurrence of such incidents has raised concerns among residents, particularly women, about personal safety and privacy in residential localities. Hebbagodi police have registered a case against the accused under relevant sections of the law and are continuing further investigation to ascertain whether he was involved in similar incidents in other parts of the city or state.

Police officials have also urged residents to remain vigilant, secure their premises, and immediately report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods.

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