Five Arrested in Hyderabad Temple Theft Case, Rs 26 Lakh Gold, Silver Items Recovered
A special team uses CCTV and technical surveillance to nab five suspects and recover stolen valuables; two key accused are still absconding.
In a major breakthrough, Hyderabad police have cracked an interstate temple theft gang, recovering stolen gold, silver, and copper items worth around Rs 26 lakh. The theft occurred at the Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple during the night of January 6-7. The criminals broke into the sanctum sanctorum and fled with the valuables, triggering an immediate police investigation. Authorities formed a special team to track the culprits. The recovery of the stolen items has reassured devotees in the area.
Police examined footage from over 200 CCTV cameras along possible escape routes to identify the gang. Technical surveillance, database checks, and modus operandi analysis helped investigators narrow down their suspects. After a week-long probe, five accused were identified and arrested. The arrested individuals include Maharaju Mallikarjun, Dunnapothula Pawan Kalyan, Dandi Anil Teja, Kambapu Vijay, and Thangila Manikanta Durga Prasad, also called Akhil. Coordinated raids led to the successful apprehension of the gang members.
Authorities recovered temple ornaments and idols valued at Rs 26 lakh during the raids. Additionally, a two-wheeler and five smartphones used by the gang were seized. Police confirmed that the stolen items were intact and had not been sold. The prompt action by the investigative team has been widely appreciated. Officials emphasized that such thefts would be closely monitored in future.
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However, two prime suspects remain at large. Neelapu Neelaiah, with over a dozen police cases registered against him, is still evading arrest. Another suspect, Bashya Venkat Mohith Kumar, is also on the run. Police revealed that Neelaiah, Mallikarjun, Mohith Kumar, and Kalyan planned the temple heist. Meanwhile, Anil Teja, Vijay, and Akhil were responsible for disposing of the stolen property.
The police crackdown highlights the growing concern over temple-targeted crimes in Hyderabad. Authorities are urging temple managements to strengthen security and surveillance measures. Continuous vigilance and quick response are expected to prevent such incidents in the future. Investigators have issued alerts for the remaining fugitives. Devotees have been advised to report any suspicious activity immediately.
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