Major Interstate Theft Gang Busted in Andhra Pradesh, ₹53 Lakh Property Recovered

Pulivendula – Andhra Pradesh: In a major breakthrough against property-related crimes, Pulivendula police have arrested an interstate gang allegedly involved in motorcycle thefts, chain-snatching incidents, burglaries at jewellery shops, and gold theft cases spread across multiple locations. Police recovered gold, silver, motorcycles and mobile phones collectively valued at over ₹53 lakh, Pulivendula DSP Murali Naik announced during a press conference held at the Urban Police Station on Wednesday.

Police crack 22 cases in coordinated operation

Addressing the media, DSP Murali Naik stated that the accused were arrested in connection with 22 separate cases involving thefts and burglaries. The arrests were made at different locations, including near the Municipal Dumping Yard on Kadiri Road, Kadapa Ring Road, Parnapalle Bus Stop, and the Ulimella Ring Road.

According to the DSP, the gang had been actively targeting motorcycles, jewellery shops, and unsuspecting individuals in chain-snatching incidents across district and interstate routes.

Gold, silver and vehicles worth ₹53.17 lakh recovered Theft 

Police seized a large quantity of stolen property from the accused, including:

19 motorcycles valued at approximately ₹18.15 lakh
One kilogram of silver articles worth ₹2.80 lakh
194 grams of gold ornaments valued at around ₹28.77 lakh
Two mobile phones worth ₹50,000

Officials stated that 91 grams of gold were recovered from motorcycle thieves, while another 103 grams of gold were traced to jewellery shop burglary cases.

The total value of the recovered property has been estimated at ₹53.17 lakh.

Accused belong to multiple districts and states

The arrested individuals include suspects from Andhra Pradesh as well as Bihar, indicating the interstate nature of the criminal network.

Those arrested include Nagabasha, originally from Tadipatri and presently residing in Vemula Mandal; Boosapati Kumar of Mangala Colony, Pulivendula; Gunnolla Gangayya of Yellanur Mandal, Anantapur district; Shaik Hussain of Nagirigutta area; Maliki Vijay of Gondagattu Palle; Chotu Kumar from Bhagalpur district in Bihar; Narayanamma and Umadevi from Pata Kanduru village in Allagadda Mandal of Nandyal district.

Police said some of the accused were specifically involved in jewellery shop thefts and organised chain-snatching operations.

Rising property crimes and interstate networks

Investigators noted that organised theft gangs increasingly operate across district and state borders, making detection more challenging. Stolen motorcycles are often used for chain-snatching and burglary operations due to their mobility and ease of disposal.

Police officials said interstate coordination and surveillance have become crucial in tracking such networks, especially as criminals frequently shift locations to avoid detection.

Police team commended for swift investigation

DSP Murali Naik stated that District SP Nachiket Vishwanath appreciated the efforts of the Pulivendula police team in solving the cases and recovering the stolen property.

Pulivendula CI Sriram, SIs Timothy and Madhusudan Reddy, along with other police personnel, participated in the investigation and recovery operations.

Public urged to remain vigilant

Police appealed to the public to remain alert regarding suspicious movements and to immediately report unknown persons attempting to sell gold or second-hand motorcycles without proper documentation.

Officials also advised citizens to use vehicle-locking systems, install CCTV cameras wherever possible, and avoid displaying jewellery openly in crowded areas to reduce the risk of theft and chain-snatching incidents.