Bhilwara Burglary Attempt Caught on CCTV Shows a Mask That Looks Like Narendra Modi

When the shop owner in Bhilwara reviewed his security footage last week, he probably expected the usual suspects – a masked intruder, maybe a crowbar, the typical “someone’s trying to steal” vibe. Instead, his eyes widened at the sight of a man sporting a mask that looked uncannily like a portrait of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The incident took place on a quiet Tuesday evening, around 8:30 p.m., when the man, whose identity is still under investigation, approached the rear entrance of a small textile shop on Station Road. According to the surveillance video, he first tried the door handle, gave it a few tentative tugs, and then, as if rehearsed, slipped his hand into a pocket to pull out a set of tools.

What made the episode stand out wasn’t the tools – a simple flat‑head screwdriver and a set of lock picks – but the mask itself. It was a full‑face replica, complete with Modi’s characteristic white beard, round spectacles, and the distinctive smile. Some observers think it might have been a novelty mask bought at a local fair; others suspect it was a cheap, locally‑made prop intended to mock or simply to conceal identity.

“We’ve seen many burglary attempts, but this is the first time we’ve come across a mask that resembles a political leader,” said Inspector Ramesh Sharma of the Bhilwara City Police. “Our immediate concern was the safety of the shopkeeper and the public. Fortunately, the intruder fled before he could cause any damage, and no one was harmed.”

Police officials say the CCTV footage has been sent to the cyber‑crime cell for a detailed analysis. They are trying to enhance the video to capture any distinguishing features – a tattoo, a unique gait, or perhaps a distinct tattoo on the hand that could help trace the suspect.

Local residents, meanwhile, have taken to social media with a mix of amusement and alarm. One commenter wrote, “Only in Bhilwara would you see a ‘Modi‑mask’ burglar! Hope the police catch him before he decides to ‘donate’ more disguises.” Another shared a meme likening the scene to a political satire sketch.

Legal experts remind the public that using any public figure’s likeness for criminal purposes can attract additional charges under Indian law, particularly if it is deemed to be an act of defamation or an attempt to incite public disorder.

As of now, no arrests have been made, but the police assure the community that the investigation is in full swing. They have also urged shop owners across the district to double‑check their security systems and report any suspicious activity promptly.

Whether the mask was a prank gone wrong, a misguided attempt at disguise, or something else entirely, the incident has certainly put Bhilwara on the map – at least for a few days – as the place where a ‘Modi‑masked’ burglar tried his luck and got caught on camera.