Hyderabad: Interstate thieves nabbed, stolen material worth Rs 4 lakh recovered

A six-member gang from Andhra Pradesh, involved in temple and vehicle thefts across Hyderabad and Rachakonda, was arrested by the Task Force and IS Sadan police. The group, led by repeat offender Tharun Kumar Raju, had stolen property worth Rs 4 lakh

Hyderabad: The Task Force (South-East) team, along with the IS Sadan police, arrested a notorious interstate gang of property offenders involved in a series of temple thefts, shutter lifting and automobile thefts across Hyderabad and Rachakonda Commissionerates.

The suspects – five adults and one juvenile – all natives of West Godavari in Andhra Pradesh, were caught within three days of their latest crime spree.

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The kingpin – J Tharun Kumar Raju (21), and his associates D Ellyaajaru (22), M Mavullu (19), G Lokesh (19), and K Rajji (18), along with a juvenile, are habitual offenders with long criminal histories in Bhimavaram. Kumar Raju alone was involved in over 41 cases earlier.

After being released on bail from Rajahmundry Central Jail in October this year, Kumar Raju regrouped his associates and came to Hyderabad, stealing motorcycles en route. They also targeted temples and commercial establishments across IS Sadan, Saidabad, Begum Bazar, Sultan Bazar, Saroor Nagar, LB Nagar, Hayathnagar and Nandigama.

Following a tip-off, the Task Force and IS Sadan police nabbed the gang during a vehicle check in Champapet. On interrogation, they confessed to the series of offences and led police to the recovery of stolen items.

Police have detected 12 cases, including four temple thefts and two bike thefts, and recovered stolen property worth Rs 4 lakh.