Attention diversion gang held in Hyderabad; Rs 17 lakh recovered

The gang’s primary strategy involved one of the suspects, a young boy, approaching victims in public places on the pretext of asking for directions or assistance

Hyderabad: The Rachakonda Police have nabbed an interstate gang involved in several attention diversion theft cases targeting old and middle-aged women, on Wednesday. Stolen material worth Rs 17 lakh was recovered from them.

The arrested persons were identified as Gujarathi Kishan, Ram Lal, Shyam Lal, Koli and a 14-year-old boy. All are residents of Hyderabad.

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According to the police, the gang’s primary strategy involved one of the suspects, a young boy, approaching victims in public places on the pretext of asking for directions or assistance.

“The boy then displays a bundle of cash, with paper notes sandwiched between real currency notes and promises to give money in exchange for the victim’s ornaments. While the victim is distracted, other gang members pressure her into handing over her valuables. Before the victim realises the scam, the gang escapes from the spot,” said G Sudheer Babu, Police Commissioner, Rachakonda.

There is also alleged use of alprazolam, which was found in possession the suspects. The gang was earlier involved in cases in Bhongir town, Hussainialam, Dundigal, Jeedimetla, SR Nagar and Afzalgunj.