Jigani police have arrested three men in connection with alleged motorcycle thefts in Anekal and recovered 29 two-wheelers valued at ₹18 lakh, after tracing a PhonePe payment made at a tea shop. The arrests were reported on October 13, 2026, following an investigation that began with the theft of a motorcycle.
The arrested men have been identified as Rajasekhar, 28, Charan Kumar, 19, and Pavan, 21, all from Bengaluru, according to the report. Police said the suspects had allegedly made a digital payment at a tea shop after stealing a two-wheeler. Investigators examined CCTV footage connected with the theft and found that the suspects had used PhonePe at the establishment.
The digital payment helped police identify the mobile number associated with the transaction and trace the alleged suspects. Jigani police subsequently took the three men into custody. The operation resulted in the seizure of 29 motorcycles, with their combined value estimated at ₹18 lakh.
Police allege that the three men had made motorcycle theft their regular occupation. According to the report, they allegedly used duplicate keys and broke handle locks to steal two-wheelers. The stolen vehicles were then allegedly sold at low prices. Police also stated that the suspects were living a luxurious lifestyle with the proceeds from the sales.
The case highlights how routine digital transactions and CCTV footage can become important investigative leads in urban property-crime cases. In this instance, the payment at a tea shop provided investigators with a mobile-number trail after footage helped connect the suspects to the location. The report does not provide details of how many theft cases were formally linked to the recovered motorcycles or how the vehicles will be returned to their owners.
The arrests were carried out under the leadership of Deputy Superintendent of Police Gopal Naik and Jigani Police Inspector Naveen. Police personnel Kashi, Channabasava, Manu and Anand were also named as part of the team involved in the operation.
The recovery of 29 two-wheelers indicates that the investigation extends beyond the single motorcycle theft that initially brought the suspects under scrutiny. However, the supplied report does not specify the dates and locations of the individual thefts, the identities of the vehicle owners, or whether further arrests are expected.
Jigani police are continuing the investigation into the alleged thefts, the disposal of the motorcycles and the ownership of the recovered vehicles.
