21 Kg Silver Seized From Gang Thieving Temples In AP, Karnataka
According to police, the gang targeted locked temples when there were no devotees or staff. The accused wore masks and gloves to avoid leaving any evidence.
ANANTAPUR: Kalyanadurg police have busted an interstate gang involved in thefts at temples in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Karnataka, and seized about 21 kg of silver ornaments, melted silver ingots and a two-wheeler.
According to Anantapur SP P. Jagadish, the seized valuables are worth around ₹40 lakh. The accused have been identified as Kurapati Sai Kumar, 27, of Anantapur; Kanumukkala Chand Basha, 29, of Akkampalli; and Gundappagari Sudham, 32, of Kodigenahalli in Sri Sathya Sai district.
According to police, the gang targeted locked temples when there were no devotees or staff. The accused wore masks and gloves to avoid leaving any evidence. They sprayed paint on CCTV camera lenses or stole DVRs to prevent their movements from being recorded.
SP Jagadish said the gang has been involved in thefts at nine temples in Kalyandurg, Brahmasamudram, Settur, Pamidi, Bukkarayasamudram, Ramagiri, and Roddam in AP, and Tumakuru district in Karnataka.
The breakthrough came following a theft at the Ramapuram Maremmma temple in Kambadur mandal. Based on specific information, police took the accused into custody at the Kambadur check-post.