She would allegedly move from one PG accommodation to another and slip away with credit cards, laptops and and other valuables
She would allegedly move from one PG accommodation to another and slip away with credit cards, laptops and and other valuables
A software engineeru00a0 with IIM ambitions and no money has been charged with 28 cases of theft. Devi Mahalakshmi hoped to mop up enough funds to see her through the premier management institute.
According to police, Mahalakshmi regularly sent money to her mother, who had been deserted by her husband.
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Caught on camera: Police say they nabbed Mahalakshmi with the help of CCTV footage |
She initially thought of working but badly wanted an IIM degree and needed money and time to study for the competitive exam.
She hit upon the idea of stealing valuables from PG roommates after succeedingu00a0 the first time. She had stolen a laptop from her roommate in Marathahalli a year back. She then shifted to a PG accommodation in HAL and used her roommate's credit cards to buy books and other things to send her mother.
Mahalakshmi then rented a house in Indiranagar for Rs 4,000 and would move from one PG accommodation to another, posing as a software engineer, pay a deposit, stay for a few days and leave richer.
Many of those who lost their credit and debit cards did not even complain to the police.
Deputy commissioner of police (south east) B N S Reddy said Mahalaksmi was involved in 28 such cases in and around the city and by the time they could lay their hands on her, Devi had stolen 24 credit cards and purchasedu00a0 500 gm of gold valuables, five laptops and other expensive gifts and books to prepare for the exams, all worth Rs 9 lakh.
Reddy collected details about Mahalakshmi based on CCTV images while she went shopping with the stolen cards.
Mahalakshmi refused to admit to the thefts but reportedly confessed when cornered with evidence.
