Hyderabad: Cops arrest notorious kingpin of ‘attention diversion’ gang
Hyderabad: Two OG Kuppam gang members notorious for ‘attention and diversion’ offences, using innovative ways to distract their victim, were arrested by the North Zone task force team on Thursday. Some of their diversionary techniques were applying itching spray to the victim, dropping Rs 50 or Rs 100 notes, and puncturing the victim’s vehicle. It's been more than four years since the gang committed an offence in Hyderabad. This was due to the increased surveillance in the form of CCTV cameras installed in the city.
The two members who were arrested were the kingpin, Akula Kiran, and one Gogula Thulasindhar who had committed four offences in Nallakunta, Amberpet and Falaknuma in Hyderabad city and one in areas under the Meerpet police station in Rachakonda.
Speaking about the modus operandi of the gang, Hyderabad police commissioner Anjani Kumar said, “The gang members are from Chittoor district of AP. They used to select cities and stay in rented houses on the outskirts.” They would scout the areas on their two-wheeler and zero-in on banks where they would easily divert the attention of those who visited the bank to withdraw cash. The gang is divided into two teams: one is the surveillance team and the other the action team. The surveillance team enters the bank and keeps watch on customers who withdraw large amounts of money. Through the phone, they would pass the information on to the team who were waiting outside.
As soon as the targeted person comes out of the bank he is followed till he reaches his car. Using various diversionary techniques like puncturing the tyre, applying itching spray etc, they divert the attention of the victim and escape with the booty, added Mr Kumar.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle Inspector K. Nageswar Rao who led the North Zone Task Force said, “They specially designed the equipment by altering the sharp edge knife, tyre puncture needle as per their need to commit the offence. They came to the city after committing offence in Andhra Pradesh. They committed the last offence in Vijayawada.”
