Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru 

Bengaluru, July 2: A 32-year-old man from Puttur has been arrested for allegedly stealing 56 laptops and 16 iPhones from a Bengaluru-based company where he worked, in a desperate attempt to repay debts he had incurred through online betting.

The accused, Subrahmanya Prasad, a BE graduate and resident of Puttur, was employed as the head of the IT and store room department at the firm for the past four to five years. Using his position of trust and unrestricted access to inventory, he is believed to have quietly siphoned off high-value electronic devices over time.

According to police sources, Prasad had lost several lacs of rupees on online betting platforms and had taken a substantial loan in a bid to cover the losses.

Unable to manage the financial burden, he began misappropriating devices from his own workplace. The stolen items, including laptops and iPhones, were reportedly sold through his acquaintances to help settle his debts.

Acting on credible intelligence, the Parappana Agrahara police raided the paying guest (PG) accommodation where Prasad was residing. During the raid, they recovered 30 laptops valued at Rs 19 lac and five iPhones that he had yet to dispose of.

“His trusted position allowed him access to the company’s inventory. He exploited this to quietly siphon off valuable electronic items over time,” said a senior officer from Parappana Agrahara police station.

Police have now launched a search to trace those who purchased the stolen goods.

Authorities are also investigating whether any additional items have gone missing and remain unaccounted for.

A case has been registered against Prasad, and further investigations are currently underway.