‘Chaddi gang’ burglary suspected in Manikonda, Rs 80,000 stolen

A group of burglars allegedly broke into a flat at Flotilla Apartments in Manikonda and fled with Rs 80,000 in cash and other valuables. The incident has revived concerns over burglary groups described as ‘Chaddi gangs’ and their modus operandi.

HYDERABAD: After lying low for nearly two years, the ‘Chaddi gang’ appears to have resurfaced in Hyderabad, with a group of burglars breaking into an apartment at Manikonda, in Narsingi, and fleeing with Rs 80,000 in cash on Sunday night.

The incident has raised concerns among residents in the rapidly developing residential areas on the western outskirts of the city.

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The name ‘Chaddi gang’ comes from their practice of committing burglaries wearing shorts or underwear and covering their faces. In several reported cases, members have also smeared oil or mud on their bodies, making it difficult for victims to grab them. Police records and reports have described them as operating in small groups, moving from one city or locality to another and targeting houses at night.

The name does not necessarily refer to a single organised gang. Police in different parts of the country have used the term for burglary groups following a similar modus operandi.

Such gangs usually target houses, apartments or residential complexes. They often enter through compound walls or fencing and operate when occupants are asleep. Their faces are covered to make identification difficult.

On Sunday night, according to the police, a group of men entered Flotilla Apartments after cutting the fencing on the lakeside. They reached a flat in C Block and broke in after finding it locked. The burglars allegedly took Rs 80,000 and other valuables.

When a resident noticed their movement and confronted them, the suspects reportedly threatened him and tried to attack him before escaping from the premises. The entire incident was captured on surveillance cameras installed in the apartment complex.