₹4 Lakh Shock: Proddatur Police Nab Habitual Thief Targeting Drunk Victims

Proddatur – Andhra Pradesh: Proddatur rural police arrested a habitual offender who targeted intoxicated individuals to commit thefts, recovering gold ornaments worth about ₹4 lakh and the scooter used in the crime, within two days of the incident.

Proddatur Incident: Victim robbed after alcohol consumption

On the evening of the 29th of last month, Tanguturu Ellalu (40), a resident of Medara Street, Proddatur, consumed alcohol at a liquor shop in the Homaspet area. While returning, he sought a lift from a stranger, who exploited his intoxicated condition and took him on a scooter to a secluded area near Pooja International School on the town outskirts. There, the accused robbed him of a gold chain and two rings before abandoning him.

The following morning, after regaining consciousness, the victim realised that gold ornaments weighing nearly three tolas were missing and lodged a complaint, leading to the registration of a case.

Swift police action and arrest

Acting on the instructions of Proddatur ASP U Vibhu Krishna, a special team was constituted under the leadership of Proddatur Rural Circle Inspector M Naga Bhushan, with SI Srikanth and other staff members.

Using CCTV footage and technical evidence, police identified the accused as Jestadi Rajesh (25), a known offender from Dastagiri Pet, Proddatur. He was arrested within two days of the complaint.

Recovery of stolen property

From the accused, police recovered:

A 20-gram gold chain
Two gold rings
Scooter used in the commission of the offence

The total value of the recovered property is estimated at approximately ₹4 lakh. The accused was produced before the court and remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.

Accused’s criminal background

Police revealed that the accused has a long criminal history, including:

A murder case at Proddatur 2 Town Police Station
Multiple theft cases registered at Proddatur 3 Town, Proddatur Rural, Rajupalem, Jammalamadugu Urban, Erraguntla, and Pulivendula police stations

Commendation for police team

Proddatur ASP Vibhu Krishna congratulated CI M Naga Bhushan, SI Srikanth, Head Constable Das, and Constable Sunil for their prompt and effective action in solving the case within a short span.

Public advisory

Police cautioned the public against accepting lifts from strangers, especially while under the influence of alcohol, and urged citizens to immediately dial 112 if they observe any suspicious activity.