Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, May 21: In a dramatic twist to a police operation, Byadarahalli police in Bengaluru have arrested a gang of burglars, only to discover that one of them had used his loot for an unexpectedly noble cause — paying the school and college fees of 20 children from his neighbourhood.
Yes, it’s true. Among the arrested is a notorious house burglar who used his ill-gotten gains not to splurge on luxuries, but to support underprivileged students. The suspects have been identified as Shivu alias Shivarappan, a resident of Begur, along with his close associates Anil alias Jagga and Vivek.
Representational image
Shivu, the alleged mastermind of the gang, is said to have turned to crime while grappling with depression and suicidal thoughts. With no family of his own, he was reportedly moved by the plight of local children whose parents were struggling to afford basic education. “That’s when I decided I had to do something,” he is said to have told police.
What he chose to do, however, landed him behind bars. Shivu began breaking into homes across Byadarahalli and nearby localities. His target — gold jewellery, which he then sold with the help of Anil and Vivek.
Police investigations revealed that the gang sold stolen gold in Tamil Nadu for a whopping Rs 22 lac, Of this, Shivu gifted autorickshaws worth Rs 4 lac each to Anil and Vivek to support their livelihood. The remaining Rs 14 lac, he reportedly used to pay the school and college fees of 20 students in his area.
Supported friends
Police sources confirmed: “Shivu not only helped students but also ensured his friends could earn a living. He used the proceeds from theft to purchase autos for them.”
Byadarahalli police had been tracking the burglars for some time before arresting all three. During the operation, they seized 260 grams of gold jewellery, valued at approximately Rs 24 lac.
While Shivu’s actions have sparked comparisons to a modern-day Robin Hood, officials maintain that noble intentions do not excuse criminal behaviour. “Justice must take its course. But yes, it was one of the more unusual motives we’ve encountered,” said a senior officer familiar with the case.