Bengaluru police arrested two men—Santhosh SL (34) and Punit Kumar (25)—for befriending women with bogus VIP claims and stealing their gold ornaments, the police said on Friday.

The case came to light after a woman filed a complaint on July 12. She recounted that on July 11 a man approached her, claiming to know a district panchayat president and a well-known film producer, and offered to help with a land dispute.

During a meeting at a lodge near Yeshwanthpur Railway Station, the woman removed her gold chain and placed it in her handbag. The accused allegedly took advantage of the situation, stole the chain, and fled. Police later arrested Santhosh and Punit near the KSRTC Bus Station in Majestic on August 9.

Investigators discovered that the stolen gold was stored at a jewellery shop in Davanagere and a lodge in Sumanahalli. Between August 10 and 14, police recovered 130 grams of gold ornaments, a gold ingot, and a mobile phone, valued at approximately 19 lakh rupees.

Santhosh and Punit were produced before a court on August 17 and remanded to judicial custody. The arrests also helped link the two men to three other theft cases in different parts of Bengaluru.

Why This Matters

In a city where petty theft and fraud are on the rise, this incident underscores the danger of fabricated VIP connections. The police’s swift action not only recovered valuable property but also prevented further victimization.

"The growing use of fake profiles on social media makes it easier for criminals to target unsuspecting victims."

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can Santhosh and Punit face additional charges?

A1: Yes, if new evidence emerges, they could be charged further.

Q2: How are stolen gold items identified?

A2: Police collaborate with jewelers to trace unique markings and serial numbers on the ornaments.