The Ashoka Nagar police have apprehended a seasoned inter-state thief, identified as 56-year-old Shivaprasad “Mantri Shankar” of Secunderabad, Telangana, who is accused of burgling more than 260 homes across Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra over the past four decades.
Record of Theft and Luxurious Lifestyle
Commissioner of Police Dr. Sharanappa S. D. disclosed at a Monday press briefing that Mantri Shankar began his criminal career at age 14 and has convictions in 210 burglary cases, including a four-year jail term. Senior officers estimate the total value of recovered loot at over ₹30 lakh, primarily 412 grams of gold ornaments. In a separate March 13 incident in Bhagyavanthi Nagar, the accused sustained injuries while scaling a compound wall to enter a house—a moment captured on the premises’ CCTV.
“He lived a life of luxury, marrying five times and spending heavily at dance bars in major cities,” said Dr. Sharanappa. “Yet he also engaged in social service, organizing mass feedings at temples and fairs and providing aid to impoverished patients in hospitals—apparently, to atone for his crimes.”
Break in Case Following Tip-Off
The breakthrough came when police received a tip-off after Mantri Shankar was admitted to a local hospital for treatment of his burglary-related injuries. Investigators linked him to a fresh complaint by resident Shankar Gowda, who reported the April 13 theft of 343 grams of gold jewelry, ₹14.5 lakh in cash and silver articles worth ₹10,000 from his Bhagyavanthi Nagar home while he was away. Acting on information about a suspicious individual near Mankar Layout by Rama Mandir, officers arrested the suspect.
Modus Operandi and Proceeds
Under interrogation, the accused admitted to selling stolen gold at the Latur Bus Stop and various railway stations in Maharashtra. He confessed to funneling proceeds into lavish banquets, hotel stays and bar outings, booking nine new cases in the ongoing investigation.
Dr. Sharanappa affirmed that police are examining years of unsolved burglary reports across four states to link additional offences to Mantri Shankar, and anticipate filing further charges as the probe continues.
For further updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Kalaburagi 24/7.
