In a bizarre case that alarmed local residents, Bengaluru police have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly stealing women’s undergarments from houses and publicly wearing them. The accused, identified as Amal N, a Kerala native, moved to the city six months ago and was staying in a rented room with a friend.

Man Targets Women’s Lingerie in Hebbagodi

The unusual crime came to light on Monday after residents of Vidya Nagar in Hebbagodi noticed a man repeatedly targeting women’s innerwear left out to dry. According to the police, Amal not only stole the garments but also wore them and took photos of himself, which he allegedly displayed publicly.

“During the day, he roams around Hebbagodi and steals inner garments hung outside houses or paying guest accommodations. On Monday, he stole some inner garments from a house in Vidyanagar, and the occupants caught hold of him. They called a Hoysala vehicle and its staff member handed Amal to us,” said a Hebbagodi police officer.

Man Caught with Stolen Women’s Undergarments

Acting on the information, police personnel verified the complaint and detained Amal. A search of his residence uncovered 15–20 women’s undergarments, allegedly stolen from nearby households. Police also recovered several photos and videos from his mobile phone showing him wearing the garments.

“During the investigation, 20 women’s undergarments were recovered, all of which were allegedly stolen from the terraces/houses of nearby residential buildings,” the officer added.

Case Registered Under BNS

The accused has been booked under sections 303(2) (theft), 329(4) (criminal trespass), and 79 (act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Further investigation is underway as police continue questioning him.

Authorities credited local residents, particularly women, for helping catch the man. They confronted him at the scene, made him remove the garments he was wearing, and immediately alerted the Namma 112 helpline, leading to his arrest.