A burglar who broke a home in Bhind city, Madhya Pradesh, India, and carted away valuables from the home of a policeman has left a note to apologise for his actions.

The thief in his apology letter stated that he was committing the act to save a friend’s life and will return the stolen money.

The theft occurred at the home of a policeman, who works in Chhattisgarh, while his family lives in Bhind city, assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Kamlesh Katare of Kotwali police station told news agency PTI.

The policeman’s wife and children had left for a relative’s place on June 30, and after returning home on Monday night, July 5, they found that the locks of the rooms had been broken and things were lying scattered, the official said.

According to the police, the thief’s letter read: “Sorry Dost majboori thi (Sorry friend, it was a compulsion).”

The thief added: “If I had not done this, then my friend would have lost his life. Don’t worry, as soon as I get the money, I will return it.”

The thief stole some silver and gold ornaments, the official said, adding that it is suspected some acquaintance of the family was involved in the act.

A case has been registered in this regard and further investigation is underway, the official said.