Kannur: “Sir, I’ve just been released from jail… I was on my way home and thought I’d stop by to greet you all,” said the man with a disarming smile as he walked into the police station. Officers were momentarily stunned. It’s not every day a convicted thief walks in post-release just to say hello.

But what started as an oddly touching gesture quickly spiralled into a tale of classic mischief.

Baburaj (45), a native of Ollur in Thrissur – and an accused in 18 theft cases – had just completed a two-year sentence at the Kannur Central Jail. After walking free, he hopped on a bus and headed straight to the Kannur Town Police Station. There, he told the officers he wanted to thank them and bid farewell before heading home. The police, amused and touched by his apparent change of heart, praised his “new leaf” and advised him to stay on the right path.

What happened next, though, could’ve been straight out of a movie.

Since it was late and he missed his bus home, Baburaj stopped by a local bar for a drink. Stepping out, he noticed a parked motorbike near SN Park. Without hesitation, he started it and rode off. The bike’s owner, P K Sanuj — a Balussery native working at a private firm in Kannur — soon realised it had been stolen and filed a complaint.

Police launched an investigation using CCTV footage, capturing images of Baburaj riding the stolen bike through multiple locations. He managed to reach Koyilandy, but the ride ended when the fuel ran out. Baburaj then ditched the bike and hitched a ride to Thrissur in a tanker lorry.

Eventually, police tracked him down and arrested him — again. During questioning, he calmly admitted to everything: the post-jail station visit, the bar stop, the impulsive bike theft and his journey back home.

Just three days after his release, Baburaj found himself back where he started — behind bars.