Udupi: In a significant breakthrough, Udupi City Police successfully captured a notorious thief from Bengaluru, known as Manjunatha, in connection with a major theft case in Kunjibettu, Udupi. Manjunatha allegedly broke into the residence of Ammunje Vithal Das Naik on October 9, making away with gold and silver ornaments valued at Rs 73,06,800. The theft occurred between 7:30 PM and 10:15 PM on October 8, during which he forcibly entered Naik’s home by breaking locks on the front and bedroom doors.

Udupi City Police, led by Inspector PSI Puneet Kumar B E, swiftly formed a special team to investigate the case. On October 31, the police apprehended Manjunatha near Balaipade Junction and recovered 530.909 grams of gold jewelry worth Rs 31,55,930, along with silver jewelry valued at Rs 15,12,000. The police also seized an Eco vehicle with fake number plates valued at Rs 2,50,000 and iron rods used in the crime.

Further investigation revealed that Manjunatha was involved in multiple theft cases across various police stations in Bangalore, Kolar, Tumkur, Davangere, and Chikkaballapur. He had more than 60 cases registered against him in different police stations.