Bengaluru, May 7: A reformed thief plans to visit around 260 houses across Karnataka to say sorry to their owners for having robbed them of valuables over the last 30 years.
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Belagajjari walked 450km to reach here carrying an Indian flag and a banner with "a house for poor and education for downtrodden" written on it. He gave speeches and interacted with villagers en route to Bengaluru explaining importance of education.
"I have seen thousands of criminals in my 30 years of offender life. Most of the criminals commit offences due to poverty and illiteracy," he said. Belagajjari said he would identify those he has sold stolen valuables from. "I shall stand as witness in courts.''
The idea struck him after he confessed to a house owner after robbing him. "Deciding to live a decent life, I reformed myself in 2010 and took odd jobs for living. One day I was passing before a house in Bylahongala which I had burgled in 2005. Gathering courage, I entered the house and asked for a glass of water. Then, I told them that I was the one who thieved their one kg gold.'' The house owners were not convinced. But they believed him when Belagajjari gave them details of their missing gold.
"I identified the goldsmith who had purchased the gold. Now the case is in court and the family will get back their gold.'' He said he targeted residences of government officials. "I have helped poor and needy ones by donating money. I never stole from poor at any time.''



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