Inter-state temple theft gang busted in Kukatpally, ornaments worth ₹26 lakh recovered
Hyderabad: Police in the Kukatpally zone busted an inter-state temple theft gang. They recovered stolen ornaments worth ₹26 lakh after a burglary at the Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple in KPHB Colony.
The Central Crime Station Kukatpally, with support from KPHB Law and Order Police, arrested five accused. Police also identified two others who remain absconding. The action followed a complaint filed by temple manager Kandula Maruthi on January 7. He reported the theft occurred on the night of January 6–7.
Police registered a case under Crime No. 38/2026 by invoking relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Senior officers then formed special teams to trace the offenders.
Investigators analysed footage from over 200 CCTV cameras around the temple. They also used technical surveillance and criminal profiling. These steps helped police identify the gang and track its movements.
Police identified the arrested accused as Maharaju Mallikarjun, Dunnapothula Pawan Kalyan alias Kalyan, Dandi Anil Teja, Kambapu Vijay, and Thangila Manikanta Durga Prasad alias Akhil. The absconding accused are Neelapu Neelaiah alias Anil and Bashya Venkat Mohith Kumar. Police said Neelaiah is a habitual offender with 15 previous theft and robbery cases. They added that Mohith Kumar earlier faced a narcotics case.
Temple theft gang targeted shrines across states
According to police, Neelapu Neelaiah and Mallikarjun planned the thefts. They roped in other accused to execute the crimes and sell stolen property. Police said the gang targeted poorly guarded temples across districts and states.
During the operation, police recovered gold, silver, and copper temple ornaments worth ₹26 lakh. They also seized a two-wheeler and five mobile phones used in the crimes.
Ritiraj, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kukatpally Zone, supervised the investigation. Muthyam Reddy, Additional DCP K. Ramkumar, ACPs Nageshwaro Rao and E. Ravi Kiran Reddy, SHO S. Rajashekar Reddy, Inspector A. Ravikumar, and CCS staff assisted the operation.
Police announced commendations and rewards for the team for cracking the case.
