In a brazen act of theft, a new sports utility vehicle (SUV) at the farmhouse of former minister and Haliyal Congress MLA RV Deshpande was stripped of its four mag wheels last Saturday. The incident occurred near Dasanapura, off the Bengaluru-Tumakuru Main Road, despite the presence of round-the-clock security.


The perpetrators employed a cunning method, using bricks to prop up the vehicle after removing its wheels. This farmhouse, located near Aluru cricket stadium in Bengaluru North taluk, serves as a stockyard for vehicles from the car company's Bidadi plant. The property is linked to Deshpande's son, Prasad R Deshpande, who operates a car dealership with showrooms at three locations in the city, including the International Airport Road and Hebbal.


AS Harish, the stockyard manager, has lodged a complaint with the Madanayakanahalli police. The theft, occurring between 10 pm and 8 am, was discovered during a routine security check. The stolen wheels are valued at approximately Rs 1 lakh.


Intriguingly, this is not an isolated incident. A similar theft took place two years ago when tyres were stolen from two vehicles at the same location. The police are not dismissing the possibility of insider involvement, given the security measures in place.


"The compound wall's low height may have facilitated unauthorized entry, despite the presence of six security guards working in shifts," a police official commented. "We're investigating all angles, including the potential involvement of someone familiar with the premises."


The Madanayakanahalli police have registered a case and are actively pursuing leads to apprehend the culprits.