Inter-State Robber Gang Busted; Four Arrested for Multiple Thefts in Khammam
Telangana police have arrested four members of an inter-state robber gang in Khammam district. The suspects are linked to seven burglary cases across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, involving stolen property worth Rs 16 Lakh. Authorities have invoked the PD Act against the repeat offenders.
Highlights
- •Four members of an inter-state robber gang were arrested by the VM Banjar police in Khammam.
- •The gang is accused of committing burglaries across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, stealing goods worth Rs 16 Lakh.
- •The suspects targeted locked houses and temples in districts including Khammam and Eluru.
- •Authorities have invoked the PD Act and Section 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the accused.
Law enforcement officials have successfully dismantled a dangerous inter-state robber gang that had been orchestrating a series of thefts across the regions of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The operation, led by local authorities in Khammam district, resulted in the apprehension of four primary suspects, marking a significant step in curtailing organized criminal activity in the area.
According to the ACP of Kalluru Sub Division, Vasundhara Yadav, the individuals taken into custody have been identified as Manikala Vasantha Rao (39), Manikala Ramesh (33), Ponnuri Koteswara Rao (24), and Thummala Sekhar (25). During the tactical arrest carried out by the VM Banjar police, officers successfully recovered two motorcycles that were allegedly utilized by the group to facilitate their criminal operations. The suspects were captured while stationed at a farm located on the outskirts of Lankapalli village within the Penuballi mandal.
Details of the Organized Crime Investigation
Following a rigorous interrogation process, the detained members admitted to their participation in at least seven distinct burglary cases. These criminal incidents were reported across both Khammam and Eluru districts. The total value of the stolen assets, which included significant quantities of gold, silver, various valuables, and liquid cash, is estimated to be approximately Rs 16 Lakh.
The inter-state robber gang primarily focused on residential properties that were locked, as well as local temples. Investigators noted that the group carried out thefts in regions including Chinnampeta in Eluru district, along with Duddepudi, Kandukuru, Lankapalli, and Adavimallela villages in Khammam. Additionally, they were linked to the theft of a temple hundi located in Sathupalli.
Legal Actions and Preventive Measures
Authorities revealed that several members of this criminal outfit are identified as history-sheeters, having served prior jail sentences for similar offenses. Despite previous encounters with the law, the group continued to commit coordinated burglaries across the two states. In response to their persistent criminal behavior, the police have officially invoked Section 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to organized crime.
Furthermore, officials have initiated proceedings under the Preventive Detention (PD) Act to ensure the suspects remain in judicial custody. While the four men have been remanded, police forces are actively continuing their manhunt to locate the remaining gang member, identified as Ponnuri Rambabu. This crackdown represents a firm commitment by the police to maintain public order and security against repeat offenders involved in organized theft networks.
