Madikeri, Aug. 30 (PS&KS)- A thief, who had entered a house at Karike village near Bhagamandala in Kodagu, to steal stored arecanuts was shot dead by the house owner last night.

The deceased has been identified as Devangodi Ganesh and the house owner is Honnappa. Yesterday at about 11 pm, Ganesh is said to have entered the house of Honnappa in a bid to steal arecanuts.

Honnappa, who saw someone entering the house, picked up his gun and opened fire.

The bullet hit Ganesh’s thigh and he died due to excessive bleeding.

Bhagamandala Police have arrested Honnappa and have seized the gun. Kodagu SP Dr. Suman D. Pennekar also visited the spot.

The deceased Ganesh is said to be a habitual offender and has four cases registered against him at Bhagamandala Police Station, two cases in Sullia and two cases in Kerala.