Bengaluru: In a striking case of deception-driven crime, city police have arrested two women who allegedly carried out a house robbery after disguising themselves as men to avoid suspicion. The incident, which occurred earlier this month, came to light after investigators analysed CCTV footage and traced a two-wheeler used during the crime, eventually leading them to the accused.
Robbery reported after homeowner returns
According to police officials, the robbery took place on January 13 at the residence of an auto driver. The complainant had locked his house and gone out for work, unaware that his absence would be exploited. When he returned later in the day, he found signs of a break-in and discovered that valuables had been stolen from the house.
Shocked by the incident, the auto driver immediately approached the police and lodged a formal complaint. Based on his statement, a case of house-breaking and theft was registered, and a detailed investigation was launched to identify those responsible.
CCTV footage provides crucial breakthrough
As part of the investigation, police teams examined CCTV footage from the area surrounding the victim’s house. The footage revealed two individuals entering and leaving the premises around the time of the theft. At first glance, the suspects appeared to be men, dressed in male clothing and moving confidently, seemingly to avoid drawing attention.
However, investigators grew suspicious due to certain behavioural patterns and the manner in which the suspects attempted to conceal their identities. A closer analysis of the footage revealed that the individuals were deliberately disguised to mislead anyone who might later review the visuals.
Police officials said the accused had adopted male attire specifically to throw investigators off track and reduce the chances of being identified as women, which they believed would help them evade suspicion during and after the crime.
Two-wheeler trail leads police to accused
A major breakthrough came when investigators managed to trace the registration number of a two-wheeler seen in the CCTV footage near the crime scene. Using vehicle registration records and local intelligence, police were able to narrow down the suspects and identify their whereabouts.
Following this lead, the police traced the vehicle to two women residing in Bengaluru. The suspects were detained for questioning, during which they allegedly confessed to their involvement in the robbery.
The accused have been identified as Shalu and Neelu, both residents of the city. Police confirmed that they had deliberately disguised themselves as men while committing the crime in order to avoid recognition and suspicion.
Modus operandi under scrutiny
Police sources said the accused appeared to have planned the robbery with some degree of preparation. By choosing a time when the house owner was away and adopting disguises, they attempted to minimise the risk of being caught in the act.
Investigators are now studying whether the duo had conducted prior surveillance of the house and whether they were aware of the victim’s daily routine. Officials are also examining if the accused had assistance from others or if they acted entirely on their own.
The recovered CCTV footage and the traced two-wheeler have been listed as key pieces of evidence in the case.
Possible links to other theft cases
Police have stated that the investigation is still ongoing, and efforts are being made to determine whether Shalu and Neelu are linked to other similar house thefts reported in Bengaluru in recent months. With several residential theft cases reported across the city, authorities are keen to establish whether the accused were part of a larger pattern of crime.
“We are verifying their backgrounds and movements to see if they are connected to any other unsolved cases,” a senior police officer said. Their criminal history, if any, is also being checked across multiple police stations.
Police urge residents to stay alert
In light of the incident, police have once again urged residents to remain vigilant and take basic safety precautions, especially when leaving their homes unattended. Officials advised citizens to install functional CCTV cameras, inform trusted neighbours during extended absences, and ensure that doors and windows are securely locked.
Police also stressed the importance of promptly reporting suspicious activity in residential areas, as timely information can significantly aid investigations.
Conclusion
The arrest of two women who allegedly disguised themselves as men to commit a house robbery highlights the evolving nature of urban crime and the lengths to which offenders may go to evade detection. Bengaluru police have reiterated their commitment to using technology, surveillance and swift investigation to crack such cases. As the probe continues, authorities hope to uncover whether the accused were involved in other thefts and bring all those responsible to justice.