After a three-year lull, the notorious ‘khujli’ gang—infamous for using itching powder as a distraction—has resurfaced in Bengaluru, targeting a 62-year-old jeweller in a bold roadside theft.
Santhosh Kumar, owner of Marudhar Jewellers on Appaji Rao Lane, Nagarathpet, had just shut his shop around 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday and was heading home on his scooter. Inside the vehicle’s storage compartment were 385 grams of gold jewellery worth ₹36 lakh, meant for delivery to Maddur the next day.
Barely a few metres from his store near KR Market, Kumar suddenly experienced intense itching behind his neck, prompting him to stop and inspect the issue. Just then, two men on a scooter pulled up and feigned concern. One handed him a bottle of water, suggesting he step aside to wash off the powder.
Moments later, the duo left the scene.
Returning to his scooter, Kumar noticed his tiffin box missing, which had likely been a decoy. On opening the storage box, he was horrified to discover the gold ornaments gone.
Kumar quickly informed his son and reported the incident to the City Market police.
A senior investigating officer said Kumar had left the scooter key in the ignition, making it easy for the thieves to access the storage compartment while he was distracted.
Police have launched a probe and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area. The case has revived concerns over the elusive gang’s re-emergence and their deceptive tactics.