Hyderabad: Kanchanbagh Police arrested three habitual offenders involved in mobile phone snatching and recovered 10 stolen devices along with a two-wheeler, following a complaint from a 59-year-old victim earlier this month.
The case was registered after Syed Nazeer Ahmed reported that two unidentified persons snatched his Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 phone worth Rs. 30,000 on April 15. The incident occurred near Jai Bhavani Tiffin Centre at DMRL X Road when the accused approached him on a motorcycle and took the phone from his shirt pocket.
Police registered FIR No. 78/2026 under relevant sections and launched an investigation.
Kanchanbagh phone snatching gang involved in multiple cases
During the probe, police apprehended three accused on April 19. The arrested were identified as Ambata Naresh Kavati Naresh, Banala Arun Kumar and Mekala Chiranjeevi. Officials said all three were habitual offenders with prior involvement in multiple theft cases across Hyderabad and other districts.
Investigators seized 10 mobile phones and one Yamaha two-wheeler from their possession. The accused were linked to several earlier cases registered under theft and other provisions.
Kanchanbagh phone snatching gang used distraction method
Police said the gang followed a planned modus operandi. The prime accused targeted elderly or distracted individuals. He created a diversion, while accomplices executed the snatching and ensured a quick escape.
On April 15, the group identified the victim near a tiffin centre. One accused drove the motorcycle while another snatched the phone. The remaining members kept watch from a distance to avoid detection.
During interrogation, police found the involvement of additional suspects, including one absconding accused identified as Vasanth. Teams were formed to trace and arrest the remaining persons.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of ACP A Sudhakar. The team led by Inspector J Balaraju, along with SI K Raju and crime staff, collected evidence and apprehended the accused.
Police said the arrested persons were being produced before the court for judicial remand.