Bengaluru: Notorious burglar 'Escape Karthik' accused in over 100 cases held

The accused has earned the nickname of Escape Karthik as he managed to escape twice. He is accused in over 100 burglary cases and is presently being interrogated.

Bengaluru: Notorious burglar Karthik Kumar alias Escape Karthik, who is said to have committed more than 100 burglaries was arrested by the Govindaraja Nagar police. He earned the nickname of 'Escape Karthik' after managing to escape twice from police custody in 2008 and 2010.

According to an officer of Govindaraja Nagar police station, Karthik is involved in more than 100 theft cases that were reported from Kamakshipalya, Hennur and Kottanur as well as in Mysore and Hasan districts. "Karthik first stole ornaments from a house in 2005 when he was only 16 years old. He used to be arrested and after coming out on bail, he would again commit burglary. He would mortage the stolen goods and spend the money on maintaining a lavish lifestyle and playing in casinos," police said.

Karthik, a resident of Hennur, is married and has two children. He has been arrested more than 20 times by Bengaluru police. In 2008, he managed to escape from Parappana Agrahara Central Prisons in a food van and was caught 45 days later. Again, in 2010, he escaped from police van while he was taken to the crime scene and was caught later. Karthik was arrested by Hennur police in November last year as well.

Police said that Karthik's skills in running and climbing helped him in committing burglary. Presently, he cannot run fast as his girlfriend's brother stabbed his leg.

The Govindaraja Nagar Station Police, who had gone to Goa in connection with a case, arrested Escape Karthik, police said. The accused is presently being interrogated and investigations are underway, police said.