Interstate chain snatching gang busted, gold seized

Proddatur – Andhra Pradesh: In a major breakthrough, Proddatur Rural Police arrested an interstate gang involved in bag lifting and gold chain snatching incidents targeting women in crowded areas of Kadapa district, recovering stolen gold chains and the vehicle used in the crimes.

Swift police action

Acting on the directions of District SP Shelke Nachiketh Vishwanath and Proddatur DSP P Bhavana, police treated the case as high priority. Multiple teams led by CI M Nagabhushan conducted a search operation and apprehended three suspects at Nanganuru Palle crossroad on the Yerraguntla bypass road.

Arrested accused

The arrested include Nagamani (Nagamma – 45) and Venkataramana Rekha (30) from Tamil Nadu, and Racheneni Arjun (20) from Satya Sai district. Two other accused are absconding. Police noted that the accused have prior criminal records in theft-related cases.

Seized property

Police recovered two gold chains weighing about 53 grams, steel scissors used for cutting chains, and an Innova car bearing registration number AP 39 AQ 6966. The recovered gold was identified as stolen property linked to the cases.

Modus operandi exposed

The gang targeted women in crowded autos and bus stands, creating confusion and cutting gold chains before fleeing in a pre-arranged car. The crimes occurred in Proddatur and Nandalur areas in late December 2025.

Judicial remand and appreciation

The accused were produced before the II JFCM Court, Proddatur, and remanded to 14 days’ judicial custody.

Kadapa District SP Shelke Nachiketh Vishwanath and Proddatur DSP P Bhavana appreciated the prompt and effective investigation carried out by Proddatur Rural Circle Inspector M Nagabhushan in cracking the interstate chain-snatching case.

Special appreciation was extended to Sub-Inspectors B Arun Reddy and KC Raju, along with the police staff Head Constable Deva Das and Constables K Raghu Rami Reddy, K Sudhakar Reddy, J Sunil, and S Chinna Naganna for their coordinated efforts in arresting the accused and recovering the stolen property.

The officials stated that crimes targeting women in crowded public places are being taken seriously and warned that strict action will be taken against offenders. The public was urged to remain vigilant and promptly inform the police about suspicious activities.