Metro India News | Hyderabad 

In a major breakthrough, Begumpet Police apprehended a notorious chain snatcher, Papani Kranthi Kumar (32), resident of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. The arrest followed intensive surveillance and investigation, including the analysis of over 300 CCTV cameras, putting an end to a series of thefts across Hyderabad and Tirupati.

Papani Kranthi Kumar is a habitual offender with a history of over 14 cases involving theft, housebreaking, and narcotics spread across Hyderabad and multiple police stations in Tirupati District. Financial stress caused by gambling and personal debts drove him to commit these crimes.

Multiple police teams were deployed, and sustained surveillance efforts led to locating the suspect. Police recovered Gold Chain (59 grams), Pearl Necklace (16 grams), Gold Chain (19 grams) and stolen Honda CB Shine motorcycle. Total gold recovered is approximately 9.4 Tulas worth Rs 8 lakhs.  The accused targets elderly women, choosing homes with open doors or using deceptive tactics like pretending to seek rental spaces. He takes advantage of moments when the victims were alone.