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During wedding rituals, when women often remove jewelery temporarily or keep it aside, he allegedly took advantage of the opportunity to steal gold jewellery.
Revathi reportedly targeted kalyan mandals hosting weddings on weekends, especially Sundays, when it became difficult to monitor guests due to large crowds. (Image: AI generated)
A case that has left Bengaluru shocked and uneasy has come to light from Basavanagudi, where a woman working as a Kannada professor was arrested for stealing gold jewelery from wedding venues. The accused, who used to spend her weekdays teaching students at a private college, is said to have used weekends to target marriage halls across the city, and would go there as a guest before looting valuables.
The arrests have raised troubling questions about trust, social spaces and how easily crimes can be committed in crowded public gatherings.
who is the accused
The woman has been identified as Revathi, a native of Shivamogga who lived in KR Puram, Bengaluru. She was working as a Kannada professor in a private engineering college near Bellandur. According to the police, his professional background and calm demeanor helped him avoid suspicion while entering marriage venues.
Investigators say Revathi led a double life, maintaining a respectable academic career during the week and allegedly committing thefts on Sundays, when wedding halls were the busiest.
How were the robberies committed?
The police investigation revealed a carefully planned pattern that depended on timing, presence and social familiarity. Revathi reportedly targeted kalyan mandals hosting weddings on weekends, especially Sundays, when it became difficult to monitor guests due to large crowds.
She would enter the hall posing as a relative or well-wisher of the family. Once inside, she mingled easily with the guests, making her seem both familiar and intimidating in conversation. During wedding rituals, when women often remove jewelery temporarily or keep it aside, he allegedly took advantage of the opportunity to steal gold jewellery.
Police say that after committing the theft, she will eat the wedding dinner peacefully and leave the venue without any suspicion.
incident leading to arrest
The theft that finally exposed his activities took place on November 25 at the Dwarkanath Kalyana Mantapa in Basavanagudi. A complaint was lodged at the local police station after jewelery was reported missing during a wedding ceremony.
Basavanagudi police officials reviewed the CCTV footage of the wedding hall and surrounding areas. The sightings helped them identify a woman whose actions seemed suspicious. Based on this evidence and subsequent verification, Revathi was traced and arrested.
Recovery of gold and extensive investigation
During interrogation, police recovered 262 grams of gold jewelery from the accused. Further inquiries revealed that the theft was not limited to Bengaluru alone.
Police say Revathi may have committed similar crimes in Udupi, Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts. She is currently linked to at least three major theft cases, although investigators believe the number could increase if more complaints are verified.
Authorities are now investigating whether she acted alone or had assistance in identifying wedding venues and disposing of the stolen jewellery.
Public reaction and concern
The case has sparked widespread discussion in Bengaluru, especially because the accused was an educated professional who was entrusted with the job of teaching students. Many residents have expressed surprise at how easily a stranger can enter private gatherings and steal without immediate detection.
The incident has also exposed weaknesses in wedding security, especially in big halls where hundreds of guests are present and family members are busy with rituals.
Police advice for wedding ceremonies
In view of the arrests, the police have urged families and marriage hall managements to be more vigilant. Guests who seem unfamiliar should not be ignored just because they look confident or claim a distant relationship. Valuable items like gold and cash should be kept under strict surveillance at all times.
Marriage halls have also been advised to ensure that CCTV cameras remain functional and monitored, especially during busy function hours. Police say that timely complaint and clear footage play an important role in solving such cases quickly.
investigation is ongoing
Although the arrest has brought relief to many families, police say the investigation is ongoing to identify additional cases involving the accused. More seizures and arrests are possible as officers investigate past incidents and confirm complaints of unsolved thefts.
This case serves as a reminder that even familiar social venues such as weddings can be exploited, and vigilance is necessary regardless of appearance or profession.
December 23, 2025, 14:45 IST
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