Bengaluru: A man’s desperation to become rich and blind faith in astrology proved costly, after he decided to steal computer monitors from the warehouse where he was employed.
He sought the advice of his friend and astrologer, who told him it was an ‘auspicious’ time to carry out the theft and get rich. The duo and three others are now cooling their heels in the police station and probably cursing their stars.
Additional Commissioner (West) Malini Krishnamoorthy said in a press meet on Wednesday that the man, identified as Damodar (42), a resident of K S Garden, was a store incharge with Super Electronics Pvt, Ltd. a company that supplies TFT monitors to Dell.
Damodar was employed there for seven years and had won the trust of the company’s owner and the senior officials because of his commitment. However he was always envious about the lifestyle led by his seniors and their salaries. Damodar wanted to become rich. but was aware that with his salary it won’t be possible and was looking for short cuts. Damodar then approached Krishnaraju (58), a friend and astrologer, who used to help him in finding solutions to his personal problems, and narrated his wish. Krishnaraju predicted that as per Damodar’s stars it was an auspicious time for him and he would get rich in few days. Krishnaraju suggested that Damodar should steal monitors from his company and sell them off. Krishnaraju also demanded a share from the sale of stolen monitors, stating he would use them to perform rituals after which good fortune will follow him and he will become rich. Krishnaraju assured Damodar that he won’t be caught as his stars were favourable and gave him two lemons which he said will hel
p him, the police said.
Blinded by his superstitious belief, Damodar with the help of his brother-in-law Ramdas (38), Sharavana (40) and Seenu (34) received consignments of 1,000 monitors on August 3 and 11, and took it to another accused Rajendra’s house. Meanwhile, Damodar informed his boss that 1,000 monitors were received and are at a warehouse belonging to a courier company. Later, Krishnaraju, Damodar and Rajendra sold off all the monitors to computer dealers saying there was some problem due to GST and that they selling the monitors at cheaper rates, the police added.
Meanwhile, Damodar’s seniors learnt about his misdeed and filed a complaint against him, following which he, along with Krishnaraju, Ramdas, Sharavana and Seenu were arrested. Another accused Rajendra is absconding. The police have recovered 671 monitors worth Rs 40 lakh which was sold to 12 businessmen and Rs 10 lakh cash from the accused.
