Mangaluru: The Barke police in Mangaluru have arrested an inter-district thief involved in multiple bag theft cases at bus stations and recovered gold ornaments weighing 46.28 grams worth Rs 6,47,920, along with Rs 5,000 in cash, from his possession.

Theft reported at KSRTC bus stand

The case relates to an incident reported on January 23, 2026, at around 7 pm at the KSRTC bus stand, Bejai, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Barke Police Station. According to the complaint, two adult women and senior citizens were seated in a bus bound for Bengaluru.

The passengers had kept a trolley bag containing around 45 grams of gold jewellery and Rs 20,000 in cash inside the bus. While they were waiting, unidentified thieves stole the bag containing the valuables without their notice.

Based on the complaint, the Barke police registered Crime No. 10/2026 under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and launched an investigation to trace the culprits involved in the theft.

Special team formed for investigation

Following the registration of the case, a special police team was formed to track down the accused. The investigation was carried out under the guidance of the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Central Sub-Division.

The investigating officer, Police Sub-Inspector Vinayak Toragal, along with staff members Sujan, Vasudeva, Ravi Lamani, Siddu, Harish, Nitish and Galib, conducted a detailed probe, analysing CCTV footage and gathering intelligence related to similar theft cases reported at bus stands in different districts.

Accused arrested near railway station

As part of the investigation, the police arrested Mohammed Imran N.M. (44), son of late M.K. Nazeer Ahmed, a resident of Dasavala Road, Gaffar Building, Thyagaraj Colony, Madikeri, Kodagu district. He was arrested near the Mangaluru Central Railway Station on January 28, 2026.

During the arrest, the police recovered gold ornaments weighing 46.28 grams valued at Rs 6,47,920 and Rs 5,000 in cash from the accused. The recovered ornaments are believed to be linked to the theft cases registered against him.

The accused was produced before the court on January 29, 2026, following which he was remanded to judicial custody.

Habitual offender with multiple cases

Police officials stated that Mohammed Imran is a habitual offender who specifically targets passengers carrying bags containing valuables at bus stands. Investigations revealed that a total of 11 cases have been registered against him across different police stations.

These include bag theft cases at Dudda Police Station (1), Komanur Police Station (1), Hassan Badaane Police Station (1), Hassan City Police Station (1), Channarayapatna City Police Station (1), and Mysuru Devaraj Nagar Police Station (1).

In addition to bag theft cases, house theft cases have been registered against him at Shanthigrama Police Station in Hassan district (1), Hassan Badaane Police Station (2), and Dudda Police Station in Hassan district (1).

Warrant pending against accused

It was also revealed during the investigation that the accused had earlier obtained bail in a house theft case registered in Hassan district. However, he failed to appear before the court for the trial, following which the court issued a warrant against him.

Police said the arrest would help solve several pending theft cases and serve as a warning to habitual offenders targeting vulnerable passengers, particularly senior citizens, at crowded public places such as bus stands.

Police appeal to public

The police have advised bus passengers to remain alert while travelling, avoid leaving valuables unattended, and report any suspicious activity immediately to authorities. Officials said that intensified surveillance and patrolling would continue at bus stands and other crowded locations to prevent such crimes.

The successful arrest and recovery of stolen property have been welcomed by the public, with police officials reiterating their commitment to ensuring the safety of commuters in the city.