Inter-state robbery gang busted

Tirupati:Puthalapattu police busted an inter-state robbery gang and arrested five persons in Tirupati district on Tuesday night. The police also recovered 53 grams of gold jewellery worth `2.5 lakh, a car valued at `5 lakh, and two motorcycles.

According to the police, the arrested individuals have been identified as Shiva Kumar , 35, Syed Rehan, 19, linked to 10 cases; a 16-year-old juvenile involved in 10 cases; Kumar, 19, accused in six cases; and Chandra Shekhar, 40, implicated in four cases. All hail from various parts of Karnataka.

The gang, led by one Shiva Kumar, targeted lone women and used stolen vehicles to commit crimes. Shiva Kumar, the prime accused, has over 40 criminal cases registered against him across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, including in Mysuru, Doddaballapur, Hoskote, and Kolar districts.

The breakthrough came after three chain-snatching incidents were reported on October 26, 2024, in Puthalapattu and Irala mandals. Special teams led by Sub-Division DSP T. Sainath conducted a detailed investigation across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. The gang was apprehended at Jagamarla Cross on the Bengaluru-Tirupati highway on Tuesday night.

Chittoor SP V.N. Manikanta Chandolu said, “The gang used stolen cars and motorcycles for the crimes. Shiva Kumar recruited young individuals to carry out the offences. All accused have a history of criminal activity. We have recovered the stolen property and will return it to the victims.”