Bengaluru: Royal Enfield bike stolen from PG premises in Ejipura

Bengaluru: A Royal Enfield Classic Signal motorcycle was reported stolen from a paying guest (PG) accommodation on Ejipura 27th Main Road in Bengaluru, highlighting growing concerns over vehicle thefts in the city.

Bike stolen within two days of moving in

The victim, Rintu Paul, had shifted to the PG on February 16, 2025, around 6 PM, and parked the bike — a Royal Enfield Classic Signal Airborne Blue, registered under the number KA01JD7177 — outside the accommodation. The area is commonly used by several other residents to park their two-wheelers.

In the early hours of February 18, 2025, at approximately 3:30 AM, the bike was stolen by an unidentified individual, as captured by CCTV cameras installed near the premises. Rintu discovered the theft only around 9 AM the same morning.

Police visit and FIR filing

After an initial search of the surrounding areas yielded no results, Rintu contacted the police by dialling 100. A police team arrived at the PG to take a video statement and advised him to visit the Vivek Nagar Police Station to officially register a First Information Report (FIR).

At around 12 PM the same day, Rintu reached the police station, carrying the CCTV footage showing the theft in progress. A sub-inspector and two officers later accompanied him back to the PG to conduct further investigations. Additional CCTV footage was collected, which showed the suspect riding the stolen motorcycle towards Domlur via Ejipura Signal.

By evening, Rintu completed the formalities and received a copy of the FIR, which will be crucial for both police investigation and the ongoing insurance claim process.

Insurance claim process initiated

Following the theft report, Rintu also filed a claim with his motorcycle insurance company. However, he was informed that the process would be lengthy, involving multiple procedural steps.

Appeal for improved security and faster claims

Expressing concern over the growing frequency of vehicle thefts in Bengaluru, Rintu urged law enforcement agencies to take such cases more seriously and strengthen recovery efforts. He also appealed to motorcycle manufacturers, particularly Royal Enfield, to enhance the factory security systems provided with their vehicles.

Rintu highlighted that despite the premium cost of motorcycles like Royal Enfield, the security features remain basic, making them easy targets for thieves. He further noted that CCTV cameras often fail to aid investigations effectively, as perpetrators frequently cover their faces, rendering the footage insufficient for identification.

Call for systemic improvements

Rintu’s message also called upon insurance companies to simplify and speed up the claims process, noting that vehicle owners are often caught in a web of paperwork and delays after suffering a theft.

Concluding his statement, Rintu emphasised the importance of addressing the security loopholes in the motorcycle industry, enforcing stricter action against vehicle theft, and ensuring a faster and more transparent insurance process. He hoped that raising awareness through his experience might contribute to reducing vehicle theft cases in the city.