Koppal (Karnataka), March 30 (NationPress) - The police in Karnataka have initiated a manhunt for an individual linked to a peculiar series of thefts that have specifically targeted women's undergarments in the town of Gangavathi within the Koppal district in recent days.

This alarming situation has raised significant concerns among the local community.

The incidents have been documented within the jurisdiction of the Gangavathi Town Police Station, where CCTV footage has captured the suspect in action, which has since circulated widely on social media.

Preliminary police investigations reveal that an unknown individual has been illegally entering residential properties at night by climbing over walls and stealing women's intimate apparel. Reports indicate that these thefts have originated from the CBS locality, a well-known residential neighborhood in the town.

Residents have expressed their worries to law enforcement, noting that these thefts have been occurring for the past three to four days, with the thief focusing specifically on women's undergarments. The frequency of these incidents has raised anxiety levels among women in the area, prompting many to voice their concerns about safety and privacy, dubbing the perpetrator a 'psycho.'

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the matter.

Previously, the Hebbagodi police in Bengaluru arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly wearing women's innerwear in public, causing a public disturbance and outrage. Reports indicate that the suspect was seen donning women's undergarments and behaving obscenely in public spaces, generating discomfort and fear among women. This individual was also reportedly found taking selfies while wearing the stolen items.

In yet another shocking event, the police in Karnataka apprehended a man for stealing women's old undergarments within the Bendigeri police station area in Hubballi city on September 30, 2025. According to law enforcement, the suspect confessed to stealing women's lingerie hung out to dry outside homes during nighttime. Investigations revealed that he would return the stolen items by tossing them back into the compounds after a week's time.

It is noteworthy that a serial rapist and murderer, Umesh Reddy, was arrested in 2002 and remains incarcerated. Upon his arrest, authorities discovered him wearing a bra and panties. The belongings recovered from Reddy included numerous women's garments, such as 10 bras, 18 pairs of panties, six sarees, two nighties, eight churidars, and four blouses.

Reddy, who had multiple aliases, was a former CRPF constable from Chitradurga district in Karnataka. He was repeatedly convicted for the rape and murder of women living alone in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, and Davanagere in Karnataka, as well as in Mumbai, Pune, and Gujarat. The Supreme Court upheld Reddy’s death sentence for the rape and murder of Jayashri Maradi Subbayya in 1998.