In a shocking case that has stunned Bengaluru's biking community, police have arrested a man for allegedly stealing 42 Royal Enfield motorcycles with a combined value of approximately Rs 1.25 crore. The accused, identified as Raju, developed what authorities describe as an unhealthy obsession with performing dangerous stunts on the premium bikes.
The Stunt-Obsessed Thief
According to police officials, Raju's criminal activities were driven by his fascination with performing wheelies and other stunts on Royal Enfield motorcycles. His modus operandi was both daring and methodical. After successfully stealing a bike, he would immediately take it for a joyride through Bengaluru's streets, performing stunts and drawing attention to himself before eventually selling the vehicle.
The total value of the stolen motorcycles reached an astonishing Rs 1.25 crore, making this one of the most significant bike theft cases in the city's recent history. Police sources indicate that Raju operated over an extended period before his eventual capture.
Investigation and Arrest Details
Bengaluru police finally apprehended Raju on November 11, 2025, after an extensive investigation into the rising number of Royal Enfield thefts across the city. The breakthrough came when investigators noticed patterns in the thefts and subsequent sightings of someone performing stunts on similar bikes in different parts of Bengaluru.
Police officials revealed that Raju had developed specialized techniques for stealing the heavy-weight motorcycles, which are known for their distinctive thumping sound and premium positioning in the Indian motorcycle market. His ability to repeatedly steal these bikes without detection initially frustrated investigation efforts.
Impact and Recovery Efforts
The arrest has brought relief to Bengaluru's law enforcement agencies and the biking community alike. However, recovery operations for the stolen motorcycles continue, with police working to trace the sold bikes and return them to their rightful owners.
This case highlights the growing concern about vehicle theft in India's major metropolitan areas. Royal Enfield motorcycles are particularly popular targets for thieves due to their high resale value and strong demand in the second-hand market. The brand's cult following and distinctive identity make these bikes easily recognizable, yet apparently easy to sell illegally.
Police have advised Royal Enfield owners in Bengaluru to take additional security measures, including installing GPS trackers and using multiple locking systems. The case continues to develop as investigators uncover more details about Raju's theft network and potential accomplices.
