Fri Jan 02 16:09:46 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

An interstate thief named Umesh Balegara (also known as Umesh P. and Umesh Reddy), 47, has been arrested in Udupi district, Karnataka. He is wanted in connection with 33 cases across Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, and has already been convicted in eight cases. Numerous non-bailable warrants, LPC warrants, and proclamation orders had been issued against him.

News Article:

Serial Thief Arrested in Karnataka After Multi-State Manhunt

Mangaluru, India – January 2, 2026 – Kaup Police in Udupi district, Karnataka, have apprehended Umesh Balegara, a 47-year-old man wanted in connection to dozens of theft cases spanning four states. Balegara, who also goes by the aliases Umesh P. and Umesh Reddy, was arrested on Friday, January 2nd, bringing an end to a long pursuit.

Authorities say Balegara has 17 cases registered against him in various police stations across Karnataka. He also faces 16 cases in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. He has been convicted in eight cases already.

The arrest follows the issuance of multiple non-bailable warrants related to cases in Tannipalam, Mavoor, and Thrissur (Kerala), as well as Subrahmanya, Belthangady, Puttur town, Moodbidri, Sirsi, and Basavanahalli (Karnataka). Balegara was also subject to a Long Pending Case (LPC) warrant related to a case in Tirthahalli, and a proclamation order in connection to two cases in Sringeri.

Balegara is a permanent resident of Mallaur village, Kaup taluk in Udupi district but had been residing in Suchindram, Kanyakumari taluk in Tamil Nadu. His arrest marks a significant victory for law enforcement across South India.

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