Teen arrested in Mumbai for stealing bikes to shoot Instagram reels

Accused with Malad police and five recovered scooters. Pic/By Special Arrangement

Malad police have arrested 18-year-old Pratham Surendra Bomma for allegedly stealing motorcycles across Mumbai to feature in Instagram reels. Five stolen scooters worth Rs 3.5 lakh were recovered, and the accused has been linked to at least 14 thefts over the past six months.

Bomma, from Malwani, reportedly stole bikes and scooters to boost social media followers, impress girls, and project a luxury lifestyle, despite his family's modest financial background. CCTV footage and confidential informants helped police trace him to his residence, where he confessed to thefts in Malad, Jogeshwari, and Vinoba Bhave Nagar.

Other two-wheelers he stole

Case 1: A 30-year-old software engineer from Malad East, reported that his brother's motorcycle went missing from outside Cloud Nine Hospital on December 20 around 2 pm. A complaint was registered.

Screengrab of an Instagram reel featuring the accused (wearing cap). Pic/By Special Arrangement

Case 2: A 28-year-old housewife from Malad reported her two-wheeler stolen on May 24, 2025. She had parked it near a motor driving school, but found it missing later in the evening.

Recovered two-wheelers

>> MH-48-AV-2569 (Silver)
>> MH-02-DH-4545 (Brown)
>> MH-31-EB-7240 (Grey)
>> MH-47-S-6328 (Grey)
>> MH-03-CC-1916 (White)

Rs 3.5L
Total value of recovered stolen two-wheelers