Tirupati Police Solve 13 Chain-Snatching Cases; Four Arrested

Tirupati police arrested four suspects in 13 chain-snatching cases and recovered 352 grams of gold worth ₹57 lakh and three motorcycles.

Gold ornaments weighing 352 grams, worth approximately ₹57 lakh, and three motorcycles seized

TIRUPATI, October 19: Tirupati district police have arrested four men in connection with a series of chain-snatching incidents targeting women travelling alone. Police said they had solved 13 cases reported across the district and recovered approximately 352 grams of gold ornaments valued at ₹57 lakh, along with three motorcycles allegedly used in the crimes.

According to the district police, eight cases were reported within the Tiruchanur police station limits, four under Ramachandrapuram police station limits and one under Vadamalapeta police station limits.

Special Teams Formed to Investigate Cases

Tirupati District Superintendent of Police L. Subbarayudu, IPS, took the incidents seriously and directed the formation of special investigation teams.

The teams worked under the supervision of District Crime Additional Superintendent of Police Srilatha and the leadership of Chandragiri Deputy Superintendent of Police Jagadish Naik. Tiruchanur Inspector Sunil Kumar, sub-inspectors and crime staff participated in the investigation.

Acting on information received during the investigation, police detained three suspects near Daminidu within the Tiruchanur police station limits on the morning of October 19.

During questioning, the suspects allegedly admitted their involvement in several chain-snatching incidents reported in Tirupati city and its surrounding areas, police said.

Gold Ornaments and Motorcycles Recovered

Investigators reportedly discovered that the stolen gold ornaments had been concealed at the residence of Mekala Kishore, a 36-year-old employee working as a clerk for a pawn broker in Renigunta.

Police subsequently detained Kishore and recovered 12 gold chains weighing approximately 352 grams from his possession. The estimated value of the recovered ornaments is ₹57 lakh.

Three motorcycles allegedly used in the offences were also seized as part of the investigation.

Suspects Allegedly Changed Motorcycle Number Plates

According to the police investigation, the accused allegedly targeted women travelling alone and snatched their gold chains. They reportedly changed the number plates of their motorcycles repeatedly to avoid suspicion and make it difficult for investigators to identify the vehicles.

Police further stated that the suspects allegedly committed the offences to obtain money to support their harmful habits.

Investigators are continuing their inquiry to determine whether the accused have previous criminal records or were involved in other offences.

Four Accused Identified

Police identified the arrested individuals as:

1. Challa Rajesh, 26, of Ramapuram village, Yerpedu.

2. Bonda Sivaramakrishna alias Siva, 27, of Vedallacheruvu village, Renigunta.

3. Chittatturu Pavan Kalyan alias Pavan, 27, of Madhavamala village, Yerpedu.

4. Mekala Kishore, 36, of Vedallacheruvu village, Renigunta.

SP Rewards Police Team

District SP L. Subbarayudu congratulated the officers and personnel who played key roles in solving the cases and recovering the stolen property. He also presented rewards to the team members.

Those appreciated included Chandragiri DSP Jagadish Naik, Tiruchanur Inspector Sunil Kumar, Sub-Inspectors Sudhakar, Eswar and Siddareddy, Ramachandrapuram Sub-Inspector Bhaktavatsalam, and crime staff VLN Prasad, Prabhakar, Shafi and M. Prasad.

Police Issue Safety Advisory to Women

Police urged women travelling alone to remain alert and take precautions to protect their jewellery.

Anyone who notices a person repeatedly following them or behaving suspiciously should inform the police immediately. In an emergency, the public can contact the police by dialling 112.

The investigation is continuing to establish whether the accused were involved in additional cases.

Source: Information provided in the Tirupati District Police statement.

By News National Editorial Team