Notorious Criminal Strikes Again in Bengaluru
Bengaluru City Police have apprehended a 47-year-old repeat offender accused of stealing silver bars worth approximately Rs 37 lakh from a parked scooter in the Ulsoor Gate area on Saturday night. The accused, identified as Syed Ayaz, a resident of Cottonpet, has an extensive criminal record dating back to the year 2000.
A Career Criminal's 51st Offense
According to police records, this theft case represents Ayaz's 51st criminal case registered against him. The habitual offender, who works as a tender-coconut seller, has been involved in criminal activities across multiple police station jurisdictions in Bengaluru over the past two decades.
Court records reveal a startling pattern: out of his previous 50 cases, 24 resulted in acquittals, while 24 cases remain pending trial. The remaining cases are currently under active police investigation, highlighting the challenges in securing convictions against the experienced criminal.
The Daring Saturday Night Heist
The incident unfolded around 9 PM on Saturday when victim Amar Naganath, aged 45, parked his scooter outside a shop located on Bettappa Lane in Ulsoorgate. Naganath had placed a bag containing 49 silver bars on the scooter's floorboard, a decision that would prove costly.
Police investigation revealed that after parking his vehicle, Naganath stood beside it, removed his helmet, and opened the dickey to store it. While he was momentarily distracted examining some documents, Ayaz seized the opportunity.
"Being a habitual offender, Ayaz knew well that individuals carry gold and silver bars in bags and visit shops on Bettappa Lane. He guessed there were some valuables in the bag and stole it," explained investigating officers.
Technology Leads to Quick Arrest
The criminal's experience wasn't enough to overcome modern surveillance technology. Multiple CCTV cameras installed in the area captured Ayaz's movements, enabling police to track him quickly. Investigators determined that Ayaz had been standing near the same shop and, upon noticing Naganath's distraction, swiftly lifted the bag containing the silver bars and escaped from the scene.
Following the digital trail, police located Ayaz and recovered the stolen silver from his residence. The authorities formally arrested him on Sunday, bringing another chapter in his long criminal career to a temporary close.
The case underscores the persistent challenge that repeat offenders pose to law enforcement in urban centers like Bengaluru, while also demonstrating how surveillance technology is becoming an increasingly valuable tool in combating street crime.
