KALABURAGI, 7 NOV

Police have apprehended a suspect linked to a string of house burglaries in the City, identifying him as Muhammad Arif Ali, a 50-year-old resident of Bilalabad Colony.

Officers recovered stolen items, including 100 grams of gold ornaments valued at Rs 13.41 lakh, 200 grams of silver ornaments worth Rs 16,000, and a motorbike used in the crimes.

City Police Commissioner Sharanappa SD stated, “The accused was an Arabic teacher at a mosque. During the day, he taught while surveilling locked houses on his bike. He committed the thefts between 3am. and 4.30am., confessing he turned to crime to support his family’s finances and repay debts.”

Ali targeted areas under the University Police Station's jurisdiction, with notable thefts on 27 April, 5 October and between 20 and 24 October, amounting to Rs 1.35 lakh, Rs 9.57 lakh, and Rs 4.22 lakh respectively. “In these cases, there were hardly any major clues. However, a unique indicator on the bike provided a vital lead,” Commissioner Sharanappa revealed, crediting Inspector Sushilkumar and his team for the successful apprehension.