Udupi: Kota police apprehended Muhammad Irfan, a notorious thief hailing from Bihar, on charges of stealing valuable gold jewelry from Kerala. His attempt to flee to Bihar was foiled, and significant quantities of gold were seized by authorities in Kota Moorkai of Brahmavar taluk.
Irfan’s criminal history spans across 13 states, with a penchant for targeting affluent individuals, including movie actors, politicians, and contractors. His modus operandi involved meticulous planning and executing daring heists, resulting in substantial monetary gains, often involving crores of rupees.
However, what sets Irfan apart is his altruistic disposition. Originating from humble beginnings, he embarked on a life of crime at the age of 22, initially driven by the need to finance his sister’s wedding. Yet, he deviated from the conventional archetype of a criminal by redistributing a portion of his ill-gotten wealth for the betterment of his community. Dubbed as the modern-day “Robinhood,” he channeled funds towards various social causes, ranging from facilitating marriages to addressing healthcare and infrastructure needs within his town.
The admiration and support garnered from his community were such that his wife secured a position as a Zilla Panchayat member. Despite multiple encounters with law enforcement, Irfan’s popularity shielded him from prolonged incarceration, with local residents rallying behind him during times of adversity.
South Indian states, particularly Karnataka, Kerala, and Goa, served as prime hunting grounds for Irfan due to their affinity for gold ornaments, a fact he openly acknowledged during police interrogation. Intriguingly, he directed authorities to search “Muhammad Irfan Robinhood” on YouTube, where numerous videos chronicling his exploits and philanthropic endeavors shed light on his complex persona.
