Inter-district Bike Thief Arrested in Mangaluru; 20 Stolen Two-Wheelers Recovered

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, March 2, 2025: The Kankanady city police have arrested an inter-district bike thief, Manikantha Gowda K (24) from Soraba, Shivamogga, who had stolen over 20 two-wheelers from fairs, Kambala events, malls, bus stands, and railway stations.

Three others—Satish Bangera (Karkala), Deekshith (Moodbidri), and Sanganna Honnalli (Talikote)—were also arrested for purchasing stolen bikes without proper documentation.

Manikantha, a mechanic by profession, used his expertise to quickly remove ignition sockets and primarily targeted Hero Honda Splendor bikes and Activa scooters for their resale value. The stolen bikes were found hidden in Moodbidri.

Police linked him to 20 theft cases, including 15 in Mangaluru and five in Bantwal and Uppinangady. The accused have been remanded to judicial custody.