Chaddi Gang Resurfaces with Fresh Burglaries in AP, Police on High Alert

TIRUPATI: The infamous Chaddi gang, notorious for crimes and frequent targeting of houses and businesses in rural areas, has once again thrown Tirupati into a state of high alert.

The district police have issued warnings to the residents, saying the gang is on the prowl, targeting residences and commercial establishments on the outskirts. The gang consists of men from some northern states.

Last year, the Chaddi gang had kept the district police on their toes after the annual Brahmotsavams in Tirumala. This year, their activities have resurfaced three weeks after the conclusion of the annual festival.

In a recent incident, three members of the Chaddi gang attempted a robbery at a car showroom on the Tirupati-Renigunta road. The break-in, captured on the showroom's CCTV cameras, occurred around 1:30 am on Friday.

Armed with rods and weapons, they entered through the backdoor but retreated empty-handed after finding no valuable items in the showroom.

The gang struck a house in Srivari Villas on the city's outskirts late on Saturday night. It was reminiscent of a similar burglary last year under the MR Palle police station limits, where a sum of Rs 4 lakh was stolen.

These incidents underscore the gang's focus on houses and commercial buildings situated on the periphery of the city.

A senior police officer, speaking to Deccan Chronicle, disclosed that the Chaddi gang comprises six to eight members who operate without a definite plan.

"The Chaddi gang members hail from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. Their criminal activities reach upto Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. The gang focuses on locked houses on the city outskirts and neighbouring suburbs,” the officer stated.

In response to the escalating threat, the Tirupati police urged residents to remain vigilant and take precautionary steps. They appealed to the residents of Tiruchanoor, Renigunta, MR Palle and Alipiri to inform the police if they spot any suspicious elements/activities. House owners have been encouraged to install a Locked House Monitoring System (LHMS) device to enhance security.

SP Parameswara Reddy directed the police officers to intensify vigilance and increase patrolling at night across all police station limits. "We have information that the Chaddi gang is roaming around Tirupati. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, especially at night. If an unfamiliar person approaches your house at night, please exercise caution and take appropriate precautions," urged the Tirupati police.