For the theft, the accused wore a mask with Modi’s face

A thief allegedly wore a mask featuring the face of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conceal his identity during an attempted burglary, with CCTV footage of the incident going viral on social media.

According to Indian media reports, the incident took place on June 28 in the Bhilwara district of Rajasthan. Security cameras captured the suspect attempting to break into a mobile phone shop.

The footage shows the suspect, wearing the Modi-face mask, using an iron rod in an effort to force open the shop’s shutter. However, he failed to gain entry.

Police officials said the unusual disguise ultimately failed to protect the suspect’s identity. While the mask covered his face during the attempted break-in, CCTV cameras installed in nearby areas had earlier recorded him without the mask while he was allegedly surveying the location during the day.

Authorities added that the suspect was wearing the same clothes during the daytime reconnaissance, making it easier for investigators to identify him.

Although the attempted burglary was unsuccessful and the suspect fled empty-handed after failing to break the lock, another mobile phone shop located about 800 meters away was reportedly burglarized later the same night. Police are investigating whether the same suspect was involved in both incidents.