Police Bust Stolen Car Racket Linked to ASI’s Son in Chilakaluripet Case
22 stolen vehicles recovered as probe deepens into fatal bypass accident that killed five engineering students
Chilakaluripet: In a major development in the case linked to the Chilakaluripet accident, police have uncovered a large-scale car theft racket allegedly run by Venkata Naidu, the son of an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI). The Narsaraopet police have seized eight stolen cars from the gang and shifted them to the police station. Earlier, 10 vehicles were already recovered, taking the total number of stolen cars to 22. Efforts are on to trace and seize the remaining vehicles.
At present, the accused gang is in the custody of Chilakaluripet police. Meanwhile, Palnadu district SP has suspended ASI Srinivasa Rao, the father of the prime accused, following revelations of his alleged role in shielding his son.
The case came to light after a tragic accident on December 4 near Ganapavaram on the Chilakaluripet bypass, in which five engineering students lost their lives. CCTV footage analysis revealed that the accident occurred when Venkata Naidu’s gang allegedly stopped a heavy lorry and attempted to extort money illegally.
After identifying and detaining the accused through CCTV visuals, police uncovered a series of criminal activities involving the ASI’s son. A previous case registered in 2023 revealed that Venkata Naidu had allegedly lured victims with an offer to exchange ₹2,000 notes, promising a ₹10 lakh commission, and later looted ₹50 lakh along with a car near Kotappakonda. The investigation into the ASI’s role in that case has reportedly been pending at the SP’s office.
ASI Srinivasa Rao has reportedly been serving in Narsaraopet for the past 15 years. Investigators allege that his son misused his father’s official position to run illegal operations, including selling finance vehicles with fake registration numbers at low prices and involvement in ganja trafficking. Police claim that the ASI repeatedly protected his son, prompting his initial transfer to Veldurthi police station and his subsequent suspension.
The investigation is ongoing, with police indicating that more shocking details may emerge as the probe progresses.