Bengaluru: A former software engineer in Bengaluru has been arrested for allegedly turning to theft and chain snatching after losing his job and becoming addicted to online betting, police said.
The accused, identified as Murthy, had previously worked as a tech professional but spiraled into financial crisis following job loss and mounting debts due to betting addiction. According to police, Murthy targeted residential areas and temples, including the Parameshwari Temple in Bengaluru, where he snatched a gold chain from a woman devotee.
His transformation from techie to thief came to light when Magadi Road police, acting on CCTV footage, apprehended Murthy in connection with a chain-snatching incident. Further interrogation revealed his involvement in multiple house break-ins and thefts across the city.
During searches, police recovered 245 grams of gold jewellery worth ₹17 lakh, including stolen chains and rings. Murthy reportedly admitted to using the stolen valuables to fund his betting habit.
Murthy hails from Shivamogga, where his family had to sell ancestral land to repay debts incurred from his gambling losses. His father had even relocated to Bengaluru to support him, unaware of his son’s descent into crime.
Murthy’s arrest has sparked concern over the growing trend of unemployed youth turning to crime due to betting and gambling addictions. The police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activity in residential areas and public spaces.
Further investigations are underway to trace additional stolen items and identify any accomplices.
