Hyderabad, September 3, 2024: The Bowenpally Police have successfully apprehended 14 members of a gang involved in a series of underground copper cable thefts, resulting in the recovery of stolen property valued at approximately Rs. 10 lakhs. These arrests come in the wake of multiple thefts that have caused significant financial losses to BSNL and disrupted communication services in the city.
The gang had been targeting underground copper communication cables, posing as official road workers to avoid suspicion. Their activities had led to considerable damage to BSNL infrastructure, prompting some consumers to switch to other service providers due to the service disruptions.
The breakthrough came after Bowenpally Police registered a case on August 13, 2024, following a complaint from Sri D. Maruthy, SDE (BSNL), regarding a major cable theft near Centre Point Nala, Bowenpally. Using CCTV footage, the police were able to identify and intercept the offenders at Tadbund X Road, Bowenpally. The gang members, traveling in a passenger auto and two two-wheelers, were acting suspiciously when they were apprehended. During interrogation, they confessed to the theft near Centre Point Nala and other similar crimes.
The arrested individuals, all residents of Banjara Colony in Hayath Nagar, Hyderabad, have been linked to several cases registered across various police stations, including Bowenpally, Karkhana, Kushiguda, and Abdullahpurmet.
Details of Arrested Accused:
- Vallapu Vinod, 27, Banjara Colony, Hayath Nagar
- Bandari Veeranna, 30, Banjara Colony, Hayath Nagar
- Vemula Srinu, 22, Banjara Colony, Hayath Nagar
- Gunja Ramulu, 23, Banjara Colony, Hayath Nagar
- Vemula Rajesh, 19, Banjara Colony, Hayath Nagar
- Gogula Vinod, 35, Banjara Colony, Hayath Nagar
- Vemula Yesu, 35, Banjara Colony, Hayath Nagar
- Vemula Nagaraju, 26, Banjara Colony, Hayath Nagar
- Vallapu Vinay, 19, Banjara Colony, Hayath Nagar
- Vemula Srinu, 35, Banjara Colony, Hayath Nagar
- Vemula Saidulu, 30, Banjara Colony, Hayath Nagar
- Gunja Krishna, 42, Mahabubabad District
- Bandri Praveen, 21, Banjara Colony, Hayath Nagar
- Ontipuli Rambabu, 25, Banjara Colony, Hayath Nagar
Property Recovered:
- 120 kg of copper cables
- One Bajaj Passenger Auto (TS-04-UE-5714)
- One Bajaj Pulsar (TS-26-G-3673)
- One Hero HD Deluxe (TS-07-GD-3971)
- Two reflective jackets
- Two iron digging bars
- Two hoes
The operation was carried out under the supervision of Ms. S. Rashmi Perumal, IPS, DCP North Zone, along with Mr. P. Ashok Kumar, Addl. DCP North Zone, and Mr. P. Gopala Krishna Murthy, ACP Begumpet Division. The arrest team included Mr. B. Laxmi Narayana Reddy, SHO of PS Bowenpally, and other officers from the Bowenpally Police Station.
The police urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help prevent crime. The authorities emphasize the importance of community cooperation in maintaining public safety.
