Police bust gang, seize ₹21 lakh and fake gold in Satya Sai district

Penukonda DSP Venkateswarulu revealed that the gang, led by Rana Krishna Babu, Anand Babu, and Bangari from Veeraballi mandal in Annamayya district, along with associates from Karnataka and Somandepalli, duped victims by offering gold at reduced prices. They purchased original gold chains and large quantities of counterfeit gold jewellery to deceive targets.

The gang targeted victims by cold-calling and enticing them with fake gold deals. They swindled ₹9 lakh from Eeswaranna and his friend of Vidapanakal and ₹14 lakh from Muni Venkatesh of Pipalem in Kuppam mandal.

Acting on a tip-off, police apprehended the gang at Nadimipalli Cross while they were dividing the stolen money. Authorities recovered ₹21 lakh, fake gold jewellery, and five motorcycles.

Woman arrested in prakasam for robberies; ₹35 Lakh gold Recovered
Kurnool: Prakasam police arrested Ganta Elishamma, alias Nandam Sujatha, 39, from Devarampadu village in Ongole mandal, for multiple robberies involving drugging elderly women. Inspired by a TV serial, the accused used prescription drugs Olanzapine and Trihexyphenidyl, obtained under false pretences, to incapacitate her victims.

Elishamma targeted elderly women at functions, gaining their trust before spiking their beverages. Once unconscious, she stole their gold ornaments. She also committed thefts in jewellery shops by feigning interest in purchases. Her crimes extended across multiple jurisdictions, including Tanguturu, Kothapatnam, and Ongole, leading to the deaths of two victims.
Police, identifying a pattern, formed special teams and apprehended Elishamma in Ongole. They seized 460 grams of stolen gold worth ₹35 lakh and the drugs used in her crimes. SP A.R. Damodar commended the officers for their swift action in solving the case.