Teacher By Week, Thief By Weekend: Kannada Professor In Bengaluru Held For Theft

Last Updated:December 23, 2025, 14:45 IST

During wedding rituals, when women often remove jewellery temporarily or keep it aside, she allegedly seized the opportunity to steal gold ornaments.

Revathi reportedly targeted kalyana mantapas hosting weddings on weekends, especially Sundays, when large crowds made monitoring guests difficult. (Image: AI generated)

A case that has left Bengaluru both stunned and uneasy has emerged from Basavanagudi, where a woman working as a Kannada professor was arrested for allegedly stealing gold jewellery from wedding venues. The accused, who spent her weekdays teaching students at a private college, is said to have used weekends to target wedding halls across the city, blending in as a guest before making off with valuables.

The arrest has raised troubling questions about trust, social spaces and how easily crimes can be committed in crowded public celebrations.

Who is the accused

The woman has been identified as Revathi, a native of Shivamogga who was living in K.R. Puram, Bengaluru. She was employed as a Kannada professor at a private engineering college near Bellandur. According to police, her professional background and composed behaviour helped her avoid suspicion while entering wedding venues.

Investigators say Revathi led a double life, maintaining a respectable academic career during the week while allegedly carrying out thefts on Sundays, when wedding halls are busiest.

How the thefts were carried out

Police investigations revealed a carefully planned method that relied on timing, appearance and social familiarity. Revathi reportedly targeted kalyana mantapas hosting weddings on weekends, especially Sundays, when large crowds made monitoring guests difficult.

She would enter the hall posing as a relative or well-wisher of the family. Once inside, she mingled easily with guests, striking up conversations to appear familiar and unthreatening. During wedding rituals, when women often remove jewellery temporarily or keep it aside, she allegedly seized the opportunity to steal gold ornaments.

After carrying out the theft, police say she would calmly eat the wedding meal and leave the venue without raising any suspicion.

Incident that led to the arrest

The theft that finally exposed her activities occurred on November 25 at Dwarkanath Kalyana Mantapa in Basavanagudi. After jewellery was reported missing during a wedding function, a complaint was lodged at the local police station.

Officers from the Basavanagudi Police reviewed CCTV footage from the wedding hall and nearby areas. The visuals helped them identify a woman whose movements appeared suspicious. Based on this evidence and follow-up verification, Revathi was tracked down and arrested.

Gold recovery and wider probe

During questioning, police recovered 262 grams of gold jewellery from the accused. Further interrogation revealed that the thefts were not limited to Bengaluru alone.

Police say Revathi may have committed similar offences in Udupi, Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts. She has currently been linked to at least three major theft cases, though investigators believe the number could rise as more complaints are verified.

Officers are now examining whether she acted alone or had assistance in identifying wedding venues and disposing of stolen jewellery.

Public reaction and concern

The case has triggered widespread discussion in Bengaluru, particularly because the accused was an educated professional entrusted with teaching students. Many residents have expressed shock at how easily a stranger could enter private celebrations and commit theft without immediate detection.

The incident has also highlighted vulnerabilities in wedding security, especially in large halls where hundreds of guests are present and family members are occupied with rituals.

Police advisory for wedding functions

In the wake of the arrest, police have urged families and wedding hall managements to be more cautious. Guests who appear unfamiliar should not be ignored simply because they look confident or claim distant relations. Valuables such as gold and cash should be kept under close supervision at all times.

Wedding halls have also been advised to ensure CCTV cameras are functional and monitored, especially during peak ceremony hours. Police say timely complaints and clear footage play a crucial role in solving such cases quickly.

Investigation continues

While the arrest has brought relief to several families, police say the investigation is ongoing to identify additional cases linked to the accused. More recoveries and arrests are possible as officials trace past incidents and verify unsolved theft complaints.

The case serves as a reminder that even familiar social spaces like weddings can be exploited, and vigilance remains essential, regardless of appearances or professions.

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