- By Imran Zafar
- Thu, 06 Mar 2025 02:37 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Bengaluru News: A gang of six thieves stole around 830 kilograms of human hair worth Rs 1 crore from a godown in Bengaluru. The stolen stock, meant for export to China, Myanmar and Hong Kong, was taken on February 28. The theft was captured on CCTV, showing the gang arriving in a Mahindra Bolero SUV past midnight. Bengaluru police have launched an investigation to apprehend the accused and bust the gang.
The theft took place shortly after Chinese buyers had inspected the stock for wig manufacturing. Godown owner Venkataramana complained with the Soladevanahalli police. The robbers used iron rods to break open the shutter and carried away 27 bags of processed hair stored in the basement of a commercial building at Lakshmipura Cross.
A resident who saw the men loading the bags assumed they were the owners since they were speaking Telugu and directing each other. However, a passerby later noticed strands of hair scattered on the road and grew suspicious. He immediately alerted the police helpline, leading to a Hoysala patrol team discovering the partially open shutter and notifying other shop owners, reported Indian Express.
CCTV footage from nearby buildings recorded the robbers and their vehicle, but the low resolution and unclear registration number have made identification difficult.
Authorities suspect the thieves had prior knowledge of the stock’s value, raising concerns about an inside job or involvement of a human hair trading syndicate. Venkataswamy, a veteran trader, supplies hair to a Hyderabad-based exporter who sends it to Myanmar, where it is processed into wigs and extensions for China’s booming wig industry, the report added.
Notably, India is one of the largest global exporters of human hair, often referred to as ‘black gold’ in the industry. Agents procure high-quality hair at lower prices in India, making it a prime target for theft. Venkataswamy believes the culprits might be insiders familiar with the trade.
A senior police officer confirmed that a case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 305 (theft in a dwelling house, means of transportation or place of worship) and 331 (punishment for house-trespass or housebreaking). Investigations are ongoing to track down the gang.
