'Daaru rakhte ho to chips bhi rakho': Chilled out thief who ate, drank and wrote lipstick notes before stealing

JAISALMER: In the border city of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, police have arrested a bizarre thief whose methods have shocked both investigators and the public. The accused not only committed thefts but also spent two to three hours inside targeted homes, calmly eating and drinking before leaving.

About two months ago, he carried out a theft that became a nationwide talking point. During the incident, at the house of an Assistant Engineer in Jaisalmer, he wrote a sarcastic message on the wall using lipstick: “If you keep liquor, at least keep chips too.” He would also leave behind warnings like “Don’t go to the police station”, openly challenging authorities.

What has surprised police even more is his courtroom behavior. Whenever produced in court, he would openly confess without hesitation, saying, “I committed the theft.” This unusual pattern has drawn widespread attention, with more discussion around his strange style than the crimes themselves.

The accused has been identified as 39-year-old Tejaram Suthar, a resident of Babar Magra area in Jaisalmer. He was detained by Kotwali police from Jodhpur. He is a habitual offender with more than 18 criminal cases registered against him across different police stations. According to police, he is a professional criminal who would resume theft soon after being released from jail.

The case dates back to January 31, when a theft occurred at the vacant residence of Assistant Engineer Sohan Jangid in IGNP Colony, Jaisalmer. Tejaram not only stole items like a laptop and TV but also consumed liquor kept in the house. Before leaving, he picked up a lipstick and wrote messages on the wall, including: “Don’t go to the police, it will waste your time.” He even used a fake name, “Bihari Babu,” to mislead investigators.

Police say Tejaram is well-versed in legal tactics. He deliberately confesses in court to avoid police remand and be sent directly to jail. Once released, he quickly plans his next theft. Tracking him was difficult because he never used mobile phones or any digital devices.

After the January incident, police had been searching for him. Acting on informant inputs and technical surveillance, Kotwali police traced him to Jodhpur and took him into custody. A stolen laptop has been recovered from his possession.

Kotwali Police Station Officer Surjaram stated that the accused’s modus operandi was highly unusual—he would spend hours inside the house, consume food from the fridge, relax, and then leave with valuables. Police are now investigating whether he acted alone or was part of a larger network.

Despite having gone to jail 18 times, his behavior has not changed. However, this arrest once again reinforces that no matter how cunning a criminal may be, they cannot escape the law for long.

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