Hyderabad: The treasure hunters are extremely careful when operating in the city. They do not stay for more than three days in the city and don’t take any local help so that they don’t leave a trail behind them. They also ensure that victims don’t tell others about the deal by convincing them that the sale was illegal as the gold came from historic sites.
“They come to the city on train and stay in lodges for two or three days. During this, they pull off the offence. They also call victims to their places in UP or Rajasthan, where they conduct the deals,” said CCS inspector V. Shyam Babu. They evaded the police for long as it was not easy for Telangana police to track them to their hiding places, in UP, Rajasthan and Haryana. The gang is also armed and ready to use violence. “One gangster engaged in a shootout with UP police and fired over 100 rounds,” said CCS DCP Avinash Mohanty. Police say the gang finds Hyderabadis gullible. “Don't believe calls from unknown people who say they found antique gold bricks and coins and will sell at a low price. Even if it is genuine treasure, it is illegal to sell,” said another senior official from CCS.
