Crime – Markapuram Police Recover Stolen Gold Worth Rs 10 Lakh After Arrest
Crime – Police in Andhra Pradesh’s Prakasam district have arrested a man accused of carrying out a series of house burglaries and chain-snatching incidents, leading to the recovery of stolen valuables estimated to be worth around Rs 10 lakh. Officials said the seized property includes nearly 83 grams of gold jewellery along with Rs 30,000 in cash. The arrest was announced on Friday by Markapuram Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nagaraju during a press briefing held at Cumbum Police Station.
Police Reveal Alleged Modus Operandi
According to investigators, the arrested individual has been identified as 24-year-old Gurunatham Brahmaiah, a native of Annamayya district. Police alleged that he, along with his wife, adopted a deceptive approach to identify vulnerable targets. The couple reportedly visited residential areas pretending to collect waste plastic and human hair. During these visits, they allegedly gathered information about homes occupied by women living alone as well as locked houses and commercial establishments.
After identifying suitable locations, police said Brahmaiah allegedly carried out burglaries with the help of his associate, Naguluri Nagaraju. Apart from house break-ins, the duo is also suspected of being involved in several gold chain-snatching incidents targeting women.
Previous Criminal Cases Under Investigation
Police officials stated that Brahmaiah had earlier been linked to multiple theft-related offences in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. He had previously been lodged in Mahabubnagar Jail before securing bail nearly four months ago. Following his release, investigators said he stayed in Ramayapalli village of Kanigiri mandal, where he allegedly resumed criminal activities with the assistance of his relative, Naguluri Nagaraju, who belongs to Veligandla.
The investigation further revealed that the accused are suspected of committing offences in several locations across Prakasam district. These include Papaiahpalli village in Bestavaripeta mandal, Pedda Ullagallu and Purimetla villages in Mundlamuru mandal, along with a burglary reported under the jurisdiction of Naguluppalapadu Police Station.
Special Investigation Led to Arrest
The arrest followed a detailed investigation launched after a series of theft complaints were reported from areas falling under the Cumbum Circle, as well as Naguluppalapadu and Mundlamuru police station limits. Prakasam Superintendent of Police V. Harshavardhan Raju directed officers to identify those responsible and recover the stolen property at the earliest.
Working under the supervision of the DSP, a police team headed by Cumbum Circle Inspector K. Mallikarjuna intensified surveillance and gathered evidence from multiple crime scenes. Based on the information collected during the investigation, officers intercepted and arrested Brahmaiah near Konapalli Crossroads.
Search Continues for Second Accused
Following the arrest, police recovered gold jewellery weighing approximately 83 grams, valued at around Rs 10 lakh, along with Rs 30,000 in cash believed to be linked to the alleged offences. Officials confirmed that efforts are continuing to trace the second accused, Naguluri Nagaraju, who remains absconding.
Police said further investigation is underway to determine whether the accused were involved in additional thefts that may have gone unreported or are connected to other pending cases in the region. Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and promptly report suspicious activity, while assuring that intensified policing and investigation will continue to curb property-related crimes across the district.