Gadwal: Theft Case Solved Swiftly by Police
On January 21, 2025, Bala Saheb, a 70-year-old farmer from Maddur village in Manopadu Mandal, visited Union Bank in Shantinagar to redeem his pledged gold. Bala Saheb, who had withdrawn ₹1,00,000 before heading to the bank on his bike, was informed by bank officials that the transaction could not be completed due to a technical issue. Disappointed, he decided to return home.
At around 12:10 PM, Bala stopped his bike in front of a shop. While he was there, an unknown person approached him and asked for directions to an address. As he was helping, another person came from behind and stole the ₹1,00,000 cash that Bala had placed on his bike’s petrol tank cover. Bala immediately noticed the theft and tried to catch the thief, but the accused fled the scene. The person asking for directions also jumped on a bike, and both suspects escaped quickly.
After Bala filed a complaint, the Shantinagar police registered the case under Crime No. 07/2025 U/S 303(2) BNS.
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Details of the Accused
1. A1 – Pitla Shivakumar, a 40-year-old driver from Tippa Colony, Bitragunta Village, Kavali, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh.
2. A2 – Minor, Shivakumar’s son.
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Previous Criminal Records
– On January 23, 2025, the duo committed a similar theft in Huzurnagar, Nalgonda district, stealing ₹1,40,000 from another bike by distracting the victim.
– In June 2024, Shivakumar (A1) stole gold ornaments from a private travel bus near a family dhaba in Kavali. A case was registered against him at Kavali Police Station for that incident.
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How the Theft Was Planned
Shivakumar, struggling financially, decided to resort to theft to make money. Along with his minor son, he planned to target individuals carrying cash.
On January 20, 2025, the two left their home on a Unicorn bike and arrived in Shantinagar the following day around noon. They waited near the Union Bank, observing people who withdrew money. When they saw Bala Saheb place his withdrawn cash on his bike’s petrol tank cover, they followed him.
At 12:10 PM, when Bala stopped near a jewelry shop, the minor (A2) distracted him by asking for directions, while Shivakumar (A1) stole the cash. The duo then fled towards Kurnool via Alampur Crossroad.
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Recovered Items
1. A Unicorn Bike (Chassis No: ME4KC09CGD8531386)
2. ₹1,00,000 in cash
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Investigation and Arrest
Under the guidance of Jogulamba Gadwal District SP, Shri T. Srinivasa Rao, IPS, and the supervision of Gadwal DSP, Shri Y. Mogilayya, a special police team was formed. Shantinagar CI Tata Babu and SI Santosh led the investigation. Using CCTV footage and technical expertise, the police identified the suspects and kept them under surveillance.
On January 30, 2025, at 9:30 AM, the police intercepted the accused near Maddur Stage while they were returning to Shantinagar to commit another theft. Both suspects were arrested, and the stolen ₹1,00,000 along with their Unicorn bike was recovered.
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Commendation
SP T. Srinivasa Rao praised the officers for their swift and effective action in solving the case. Special recognition was given to PC Prasad (2520) and PC Nabeer Rasool (2642) for their commendable efforts in apprehending the accused and recovering the stolen money.
