Gangs of robbers from neighbouring States are on the prowl in the city. Police have cautioned the public to be alert while travelling in buses and autos, waiting at bus and railway stations, banks, moving on roads and even at homes. “The modus operandi of these gangs is different, and most of the accused are women. Students of some colleges are also involved in thefts and snatchings,” said a police officer.
Investigating officers, identified that Irani and Meerut gang, Kurnool, Telagapamula, Ozhi Kuppam, Vilivakam, Pardhi and Peddinti Golla gangs, are operating in the city. Besides, blade batches, fake gold, gold polishing and snatching and attention diverting gangs are operating in the city and are creating panic among the public, particularly women moving alone in isolated places.
“Many youth and students turned into blade batch thieves and snatchers due to negligence and poor vigil by parents. Police arrested about 40 accused involved in several cases and summoned their parents,” said City Police Commissioner A. B. Venkateswara Rao at a press conference held recently.
Dressed like cops
“Ozhi Kuppam and Vilivakam gangs of Tamil Nadu State, operate at banks and Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs). They divert the attention of the public who are coming out of banks and ATMs and snatch away cash bags. Irani and Meerut gangs maintain their dressing and hairstyle like police and deceive public on the name of checking,” said Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crimes) G. Ramakoteswara Rao.
Pardhi, Peddinti Golla and Telagapamula gangs are said to be resorting to house burglaries.
Their families will stay on the outskirts, conduct ‘recce’ during day hours on the pretext of petty vendors and strike on locked houses at nights.
The Central Crime Station (CCS) police recently apprehended seven-member Kurnool (of Siddapuram village) gang, including five women, involved in several offences, said CCS Assistant Commissioners of Police P. Sunder Raju and V.S.N. Varma.
Keep strangers away
“Blade polishing and gangs engaged in selling fake gold targeting women staying alone at home and disappear with original gold ornaments,” said Mr. Ramakoteswara Rao and appealed to the women not to allow strangers into houses.
