Udupi: Kapu police have arrested a notorious inter-state and inter-district thief in connection with a major daytime house burglary that took place at Mallar village in Kapu taluk of Udupi district. The arrest has brought significant relief to local residents, as the accused is known to be a habitual offender with a long criminal history across multiple states.

The arrested accused has been identified as Umesh Balegar alias Umesh P alias Umesh Reddy. He was apprehended on January 2, following a detailed investigation carried out by a special police team formed to crack the case.

Details of the burglary

The burglary occurred during the daytime on December 4 at the house of Raghavendra Kini, a resident of ‘Ramanatha Kripa’ house in Mallar village. According to the complaint filed with Kapu Police Station, the house owner had locked the house from outside before leaving and had kept the key inside the electricity meter box near the entrance.

Taking advantage of this lapse, the accused reportedly removed the key from the meter box, opened the front door, and then locked the house from inside to avoid suspicion. He subsequently broke open a cupboard and decamped with valuable ornaments and articles.

Police said the stolen property included gold ornaments weighing about 72 grams, silver articles worth approximately ₹3.90 lakh, and additional silver items valued at around ₹1,500. The total value of the stolen property ran into several lakh rupees, making it a significant theft case in the area.

Case registration and investigation

Following the incident, Raghavendra Kini lodged a complaint at the Kapu Police Station, after which a case was registered and investigation was taken up. Considering the peculiar modus operandi of the theft — particularly the use of the key hidden in the electricity meter box — police suspected the involvement of a seasoned burglar.

Under the guidance of Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar and Additional Superintendent of Police Sudhakar S. Nayak, a special investigation team was constituted. The investigation was also supervised by former Assistant Superintendent of Police of Karkala, Dr. Harsha Priyamvada, and in-charge Deputy Superintendent of Police of Karkala subdivision, Prabhu D.T.

The special team was led by Kapu Circle Inspector Azmath Ali G, who coordinated the operation and monitored the progress of the investigation.

Arrest of habitual offender

After analysing technical evidence, examining CCTV footage from nearby areas and tracking the suspect’s movements, the police team succeeded in arresting Umesh Balegar on January 2. During interrogation, he reportedly confessed to his involvement in the Mallar burglary, police sources said.

Investigations revealed that the accused is a habitual offender with an extensive criminal background. Around 16 cases have been registered against him in police stations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. In Karnataka alone, about 17 cases are registered against him in various districts.

Police further stated that the accused has already been convicted in eight criminal cases, highlighting his repeated involvement in theft and burglary offences.

Pending warrants across states

Several non-bailable warrants have been issued against Umesh Balegar by courts in different states. These include cases registered at police stations in Thannippalam, Mavoor and Thrissur in Kerala, as well as Subrahmanya, Belthangady, Puttur City and Moodbidri in Dakshina Kannada district.

Additional non-bailable warrants are pending against him in Sirsi Rural Police Station limits in Uttara Kannada district and Basavanahalli Police Station in Chikkamagaluru district.

Police also said that an LPC (Long Pending Case) warrant is pending against the accused in a case registered at Thirthahalli Police Station in Shivamogga district, where he had been absconding for a considerable period.

In addition, courts have issued proclamation orders against him in two cases registered at Shringeri Police Station in Chikkamagaluru district, declaring him an absconder in those matters.

Police team commended

The successful arrest was carried out by a dedicated team comprising CI Azmath Ali G, Padubidri PSI Anil Kumar T. Nayak, Kapu PSI Shubhakara, Padubidri ASI Rajesh, staff members Mohanchandra, Raghu and Jeevan, jeep driver Jagadish, and CDR section staff Dinesh and Nithin.

Senior officers have commended the team for their coordinated effort and swift action in tracking down a hardened criminal who had been evading the law despite multiple warrants.

Conclusion

With the arrest of Umesh Balegar, Kapu police believe they have dismantled a major threat to residential safety in the region. Officials have urged residents to avoid unsafe practices such as hiding house keys in easily accessible places and to remain vigilant, particularly during daytime hours when many burglaries occur.

Police said further investigation is underway to recover the stolen property and to ascertain the accused’s involvement in other unsolved theft cases in Udupi district and neighbouring regions.