Feathered Thieves: Bengaluru Police Nab Man Using Pigeons for Break-Ins

In a peculiar case, Bengaluru’s City Market police have apprehended a man for allegedly robbing around 50 locked homes using pigeons to locate them. The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Manjunath, also known as Parivala Manja, was found in possession of 475 grams of stolen gold valued at ₹30 lakh, along with a scooter that has been recovered.

According to reports from The Times of India, Manjunath employed a unique technique by carrying a pair of pigeons while searching for unoccupied houses. He specifically targeted multi-storey buildings lacking security.

His method involved releasing the pigeons to perch atop buildings, while he would then ascend the stairs to look for locked flats. If confronted, he would claim he was attempting to catch the pigeons. Once he identified a locked house, he would break in swiftly.

“He used an iron rod to force open doors and then broke into cupboards and almirahs to steal gold and cash,” a police official explained. Despite having a history of arrests, he continued his criminal activities upon being released on bail.

Operating alone, Manjunath would sell the stolen goods in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, approximately 40 kilometers from Bengaluru, and typically carried out his crimes during the day. His arrest has led to the resolution of four cases from the City Market and Ulsoor Gate police jurisdictions.