Bhubaneswar: In a case that has shocked the city, Commissionerate Police have arrested a man who led a double life—by day a YouTube preacher on morality, and by night a serial burglar. The accused, identified as Manoj Kumar Singh (42) of Khajuripada, Baideswar in Cuttack, was wanted in several theft cases across the capital.
The latest case against him was registered at Bharatpur police station on August 14 on the basis of a complaint filed by Subhashree Nayak of Khandagiribari. Subhashree, who lives with her husband Debabrata Mohanty, reported that while the couple was away at work, their house was broken into. Around 2:30 p.m., Debabrata returned to find the main door lock broken and the bedroom almirah ransacked. Gold ornaments weighing about 300 grams and ₹5 lakh in cash had been stolen.
Following the complaint, police launched an intensive investigation using both human intelligence and technical surveillance. Singh was soon identified as the culprit. Upon his arrest, police seized: 200 grams of gold ornaments; ₹1,00,000 cash; a two-wheeler (OD-13-W-1744); and an iron rod used in the burglary
Further investigation revealed that Singh had mortgaged 82 grams of the stolen gold at a UNI Gold branch in Nayagarh for ₹4.73 lakh. The remaining gold and cash were recovered from his possession.
Police said Singh is a habitual day-time burglar, targeting locked houses after surveilling them. On August 14, he reached the complainant’s residence with his two-wheeler and iron rod, broke into the house, and executed the theft within 10 minutes.
What makes the case more unusual is Singh’s other identity.
He ran a YouTube channel titled “Change Your Life”, where he delivered sermons on morality, crime prevention, and leading a peaceful life. In his videos, he often admitted to having a criminal past while claiming he had reformed, urging others not to follow the path of crime.
“By day, he was a preacher dispensing wisdom; by night, he was a thief striking homes across the city,” said a police officer. With more than 10 cases registered against him in Nayapalli, Tamando, Bharatpur, and other areas, Singh’s arrest has exposed a striking contradiction between his online persona and his real-world crimes.
