Bengaluru techie steals 57 laptops to cover tomato crop loss
A 29-year-old system administrator from Hosur, identified as Murugesh, has been arrested by Whitefield Police in Bengaluru for stealing dozens of laptops from his workplace. The thefts were reportedly motivated by financial losses incurred due to a failed tomato crop. According to reports, Murugesh had taken a loan to cultivate tomatoes on six acres of land in Hosur but faced significant financial difficulties after the crop failed.
Theft discovered during company audit
Murugesh, who was employed at Technicolor India Pvt Ltd in Whitefield since February 2024, began stealing laptops from the company to repay his debt. As the system administrator overseeing laptop inventory, he was able to discreetly steal these devices under the guise of providing laptop service and repairs. The theft came to light when the firm conducted an audit after Murugesh's resignation in August and found several laptops missing.
Police recover stolen laptops, arrest Murugesh
Following a complaint, police tracked down Murugesh to his hometown in Hosur and recovered the stolen laptops. "We have recovered 50 laptops worth ₹22 lakh," said B Dayanand, Bengaluru City police commissioner. In total, Murugesh had stolen 57 laptops and sold 45 of them to a repair store in Hosur. After spending eight days in police custody following his arrest on September 2, he was sent to jail on September 9.
