Khaja Hazaresab Haveri, a 26-year-old man, was arrested by the Bankapur police for stealing valuables from locked homes while posing as an orphan at a religious centre in Bankapur. According to police sources, Khaja arrived in Bankapur 15 days ago and sought shelter at a religious centre in Kottigere, claiming to be an orphan. During his stay, he identified two locked homes and carried out thefts. The thefts were discovered following complaints from the victims, prompting the police to launch an investigation.
Further inquiry revealed that Khaja had committed thefts in three homes under the jurisdiction of the Adur police station. Police recovered gold jewellery, silver articles, and other valuables worth ₹6.37 lakh across five theft cases involving Khaja. The stolen items were sold, and the proceeds were used to fund his vices, according to sources.
Khaja, originally from a family in Goa, has a criminal background and had been wandering from place to place, committing thefts in various locations. He was also wanted in connection with several theft cases under the jurisdiction of police stations in Hubballi, Sirsi, Sorab, Shiralkoppa, Gadag, Ron, and other areas. Despite efforts by multiple police teams to apprehend him, he managed to evade capture. However, a special team led by PSI Ningappa Karakannan successfully traced and arrested him.
Police investigations revealed that Khaja would scout for locked homes, especially those without rangoli in the front yard, indicating the absence of residents. At night, he would break into the houses through the back door, steal valuables, and then flee the scene. To avoid detection, he would leave his mobile phone several kilometres away and change SIM cards after each crime.
One of the recent thefts involved the house of Bankapur resident Bashasab Bendigeri. The police investigation led them to the religious centre where Khaja had been staying, resulting in his arrest. After his capture, the authorities at the religious centre were shocked to learn of his criminal activities. Police have since advised religious centres to conduct proper background checks before offering shelter to strangers.