Jigani police have arrested three men in connection with a two-wheeler theft investigation in Anekal and seized 29 motorcycles and scooters valued at about ₹18 lakh, after tracing a mobile number used to make a PhonePe payment at a tea shop.
The arrested men have been identified as Rajasekhar, 28, Charan Kumar, 19, and Pavan, 21, all from Bengaluru, according to the report. Police began investigating after one of the accused allegedly stole a two-wheeler. CCTV footage from the area showed that the suspects had made a digital payment at a tea shop, enabling investigators to identify and trace the mobile number linked to the transaction.
The digital payment trail helped the Jigani police locate and take the three suspects into custody. The operation resulted in the seizure of 29 two-wheelers, with the total value of the recovered vehicles estimated at ₹18 lakh.
According to the report, the accused allegedly specialised in stealing two-wheelers. Police said they used duplicate keys and broke handle locks to take the vehicles. The stolen motorcycles were allegedly sold at low prices, and the suspects were reported to have used the proceeds to support a luxurious lifestyle.
The case illustrates how routine digital transactions and CCTV footage can become important investigative leads in vehicle-theft cases. In this instance, a payment made at a tea shop reportedly provided police with a mobile number that helped connect the suspects to the investigation. The report does not provide details on how many vehicle owners have been identified or how the recovered two-wheelers will be returned.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Gopal Naik and Jigani police inspector Naveen led the operation. Police personnel Kashi, Channabasava, Manu and Ananda were also part of the team that carried out the arrests and vehicle seizures.
The arrests and recoveries are part of the ongoing investigation. Further legal proceedings and verification of ownership of the seized two-wheelers will determine the next steps in the case.
