Rajasthan Thief Gets Stuck in Exhaust Shaft During Burglary

New Delhi, January 6, 2026: A bizarre and cinematic burglary attempt in Kota, Rajasthan, has captured nationwide attention after a video of the failed heist went viral. In the early hours of January 4, 2026, a thief found himself in a humiliating predicament when he became wedged inside a narrow kitchen exhaust fan shaft. The suspect, identified as Pawan, was discovered by the homeowners upon their return from a religious pilgrimage, leading to a high-voltage drama that lasted for nearly an hour before authorities arrived.

Discovered by a Scooter’s Headlights

The residence of Subhash Kumar Rawat in the Pratap Nagar area had been left vacant while the family visited the Khatushyamji Temple. Upon their return around 1:00 AM, the kitchen area was accidentally illuminated by the headlights of their parked scooter as they unlocked the gate. To their shock, a man was seen dangling helplessly from the exhaust opening, with half of his body inside the house and the other half protruding outside. The sight, which appeared like a scene from a comedy film, immediately prompted the family to raise a loud alarm.

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A Failed Heist and a Fleeing Accomplice

It was reported by the Borkheda Police that the suspect had attempted to squeeze through the small shaft to gain entry into the home. However, the space proved too tight, and he became firmly wedged, unable to move forward or retreat. While he was trapped, his accomplice, who was reportedly keeping watch outside, fled the scene as soon as the commotion began. Despite being stuck, the thief allegedly attempted to threaten the gathered neighbors, claiming that more of his associates were nearby to intimidate them into releasing him.

Police Rescue and Bizarre Findings

The rescue operation by local residents and the police took nearly an hour of careful maneuvering to safely extract the man from the shaft. Once freed, he was immediately taken into custody and provided with water as he was reportedly in significant physical distress. A search of the area led to the seizure of a white car used by the suspects, which notably bore a “Police” sticker on the windshield. It is believed by investigators that the sticker was used as a deceptive tactic to avoid suspicion while patrolling neighborhoods for potential targets.

Legal Action and Community Vigilance

Following his arrest on January 6, 2026, the suspect is being questioned to track down his absconding partner. The viral video has served as a stern reminder of the lengths to which burglars go and the unexpected ways their plans can fail. The Gwalior municipal area has seen an increase in patrols following the incident to reassure residents. This case is being cited by local authorities as an example of why homeowners should secure all possible entry points, including small vents and exhaust shafts, before leaving their properties vacant.