Reformed thief to visit 260 houses he robbed in 30 years to say sorry

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.

asavaraj Ningappa Belagajjari, 46, wants to help them get back the valuables he stole. He arrived in Bengaluru from Yalagavi in North Karnataka on Friday for the purpose.

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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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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