Police Hunt Suspect in Unusual Theft Cases in Karnataka’s Gangavathi

Koppal (Karnataka), March 2026 : Police have launched an intensive search operation in Gangavathi following a series of unusual thefts targeting women’s innerwear, incidents that have caused unease among residents over the past few days.

According to police officials, the incidents have been reported from the CBS locality, a prominent residential area in the town, under the jurisdiction of the Gangavathi Town Police Station. Preliminary investigations suggest that an unidentified man has been entering houses during the night by scaling compound walls and stealing garments left out to dry within residential premises.

CCTV footage from the area has captured the suspect in action, and the visuals have since gone viral on social media platforms. The circulation of these videos has heightened public concern, with many residents expressing fear over safety and privacy, particularly among women in the neighbourhood.

Locals stated that the thefts have occurred repeatedly over the last three to four days, with the accused specifically targeting women’s clothing. The pattern of the incidents has raised suspicion about the intent behind the acts, prompting residents to demand swift police action. Some residents have described the accused’s behaviour as disturbing and have urged authorities to increase security measures in the area.

Police have confirmed that a case has been registered and multiple teams have been deployed to identify and apprehend the suspect. Night patrolling has been intensified in and around the affected localities, and officers are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas to track the movements of the accused.

Officials also noted that while the nature of the current case is unusual, similar incidents have been reported in other parts of Karnataka in the past. In one instance in Bengaluru, a young man was arrested for creating public nuisance by wearing women’s undergarments and behaving inappropriately in public spaces. In another case in Hubballi, a man was detained for stealing garments from clotheslines and later returning them after a few days.

While these past incidents are not directly linked to the current case, police say they highlight the need for vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities. Authorities have urged residents to take precautionary measures, including securing their homes, avoiding leaving clothes unattended in open areas at night, and immediately informing the police about any unusual movement in their vicinity.

The incidents have sparked wider discussions about safety and surveillance in residential neighbourhoods. Residents have called for the installation of more CCTV cameras and improved street lighting to deter such activities.

Police have assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to resolve the matter quickly and restore a sense of security. They have also appealed to citizens not to spread unverified information or rumours on social media, which could create unnecessary panic.

Further investigation is ongoing, and officials remain confident of making a breakthrough soon.