Hyderabad: Money snatching gangs are again on the prowl in the city. The gang diverts the attention of victims by throwing Rs 10 notes on the road and snatch cash bags. The fraudsters struck at Abids, Kukatpally and SR Nagar on three consecutive days this week. Three people, including former TRS MP Manda Jagannadham lost lakhs. Police suspect a gang based in east-central states and West Bengal.
The gang comes to Hyderabad for a few days and leave after completing three or four operations. In 2013 December, a police team busted an interstate gang following continuous money snatching cases.
Top cops said the criminals focus on cash as it’s easy to use. The gang carries out meticulously planned operations. “In these three cases, the victims were leaving banks after withdrawing cash when the criminals robbed them. It shows that one gangster was already inside the banks, and was observing the victims while they were withdrawing cash. Two gangsters followed the victims to their vehicles, diverted their attention, and escaped with the money in seconds. It takes a lot of planning,” said a senior police official.
Abid detective inspector D. Vishnuvardhan Reddy, who is investigating former MP Mr Jagannadam’s case, said the gang had not even uttered a word to divert the attention of the victim. The ex-MP’s driver was duped by the gang by showing some Rs 10 notes on the road, and the money was gone in no time.
“They just knocked on the car’s window and pointed to the currency notes on the road. When he got down to take the notes, they snatched the bag containing money and fled,” said Mr Vishnuvardhan Reddy.
Hyderabad police officials warned citizens to be alert about the gang.
