Hyderabad: Karimnagar police on Saturday arrested six members of a copper theft gang involved in a series of rural thefts. The operation led to the recovery of stolen goods worth ₹20 lakh and the resolution of 15 cases.
Copper wire and livestock stolen across rural Karimnagar
Commissioner of Police V. Satyanarayana said the gang had committed 12 copper motor wire thefts and three livestock thefts, involving cattle, goats, and pigs. Police teams intercepted their vehicles during a routine check at Gummulapoor Crossroads.
They seized a Bolero, an Ashok Leyland goods vehicle, a motorcycle, and 3 quintals of copper wire. The accused operated across multiple police station limits, according to the investigation.
Scrap dealer among arrested; prime accused spent on luxuries
The arrested include Manupati Shekhar (driver), Manupati Sanjeev (labourer), Undati Mahesh (pig trader), Bodasu Kumar (auto driver), Sagarla Ranjeeth (JCB driver), and scrap trader Bodige Sampath from Choppadandi. Shekhar, who led the gang, admitted to spending the proceeds on vehicle EMIs and personal indulgences.
Police also arrested Sampath for purchasing the stolen copper wire. He acted as the main receiver in the gang’s operations.
Investigation team praised; search for others underway
Commissioner Satyanarayana commended ACP G. Vijay Kumar and his team for their swift action. The team included CI A. Pradeep Kumar, Inspector Sanjeev, SIs Naresh Reddy and Vamshi Krishna, and personnel Anil, Raj Nayak, Hemasundar, Srinivas, Hasanuddin, Ravinder, and Srujan.
Police registered cases under appropriate legal sections and are preparing to send the six accused to remand. Additionally, search operations are underway to locate eight other absconding members of the gang.