Two gangs were busted and property worth about Rs.20 lakh was recovered by the city police on Thursday.
Addressing a press conference here, Commissioner of Police J. Purnachandra Rao said six youths from the city — L. Sridhar, A. Manohar, K. Karteek, Palla Ramagovind, Bishoi Raju, and K. Raju — had been snatching chains and lifting vehicles in the city and in the three districts of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam for the last one-and-a-half years.
In all, the gang was involved in 23 cases, including 13 in the city, one in Visakhapatnam district, four in Vizianagaram, and five in Srikakulam district.
The accused were arrested by Three Town Inspector K. Lakshmana Murthy and his team. In all, 53 tolas of gold ornaments valued at Rs.15 lakh and two motorcycles were recovered by the police.
The Police Commissioner gave away cash awards to SI Konda, head constables — Pydiraju and Nageswara Rao, constables — Srinu and Prasad as a token of appreciation.
In another case, K. Krishna (19) and two juveniles were taken into custody for their alleged involvement in burglaries and temple thefts under the Pendurthi police station limits.
The three allegedly stole 10 kg of silver articles and 6 kg brass articles from Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy temple at Laxmipuram, Sri Sai Baba temple at Kanthi Nagar, and Sri Govinda Raja Swamy temple at Doggavanipalem.
They also allegedly burgled six houses at Durga Nagar, Aditya Nagar, Vepagunta, and Sujathanagar, and took away eight tolas of gold jewellery. The accused were nabbed by Pendurthi Inspector Shaik Hussain and his team. Stolen property worth Rs.4.75 lakh was recovered from the accused.
Mr. Purnachandra Rao presented cash awards to SI B. Suresh, head constable K.V. Satyanarayana Murthy, constables — A. Kesava Rao and K. Ganga Raju.
He also had word of praise for Assistant Commissioners of Police S. Venkata Rao (East) and B. Prasada Rao (North). Additional DCP (Crime) Mohd. Khan was present.
