Interstate temple thefts gang busted; three arrested

Anantapur: Cracking down on cross-border temple crime, the Kalyandurg Rural Circle Police arrested a notorious three-member interstate gang responsible for a series of thefts at holy shrines across Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, recovering 21 kilograms of silver ornaments and seized valuables worth Rs. 40 lakhs.

Addressing a press conference at the District Police Conference Hall on Tuesday, District SP P Jagadeesh, IPS, detailed that the arrested accused are Kurapati Sai Kumar (27) of Anantapur, Kanumukkala Chand Basha (29) of Anantapur Rural, and Gundappagari Sudam (32) of Sri Sathya Sai District.

The gang systematically targeted locked temples, adopting a cunning modus operandi: wearing masks and gloves to avoid leaving forensic evidence, and using sprayers to blind CCTV lenses or stealing DVR units.

Following a break-in at the Rampuram Mareamma Temple in Kambadur, local police intensified surveillance.

Acting on a tip-off, a special team led by Kalyandurg DSP Ravibabu and CI Neelakantha apprehended the trio at the Kambadur Check Post.

Interrogation revealed their involvement in nine recent temple heists spanning Kambadur, Brahmasamudram, Settur, Pamidi, Bukkarayasamudram, Ramagiri Nasanakota, Roddam, and Tumakuru district in Karnataka. Police successfully seized 21 kgs of silver articles, melted silver lumps, and a two-wheeler.

Commending the police team, SP Jagadeesh warned that criminal acts threatening religious harmony and devotees’ faith will face the full wrath of the law.

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The Hans India