Pargi: The Pargi police have arrested a gang involved in pickpocketing at the local bus stand and urged the public to remain vigilant while travelling, especially during the summer holiday season. The suspects had stolen gold jewellery and cash from two passengers on April 17 and fled the town, but were later tracked down and arrested.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Pargi DSP Srinivas said passengers should inform local police stations before leaving town for vacations or tours. He also advised residents to notify neighbours when locking up homes and, where possible, install CCTV cameras for added security. He further recommended storing valuables such as gold and cash in bank lockers.
The arrested individuals—Gunjala Giddanna, his wife Agiramma, daughter Keerthi, and relative Prasad—hail from Siddapuram village in Atmakur mandal of Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh. According to police, they are habitual offenders who have been targeting busy RTC bus stands across states for years.
Their modus operandi involved working in a group to create confusion in crowded areas. One member would push or distract a target while the others would steal valuables amidst the commotion. Using this method, the group looted gold jewellery and cash from two unsuspecting passengers at Pargi bus stand before escaping to their hometown.
Following the complaint, police registered a case and began analysing CCTV footage from the area. By cross-referencing with records of previously arrested pickpockets, investigators were able to identify the culprits. Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime.
Police recovered three tolas (approximately 35 grams) of gold earrings and ₹14,000 in cash from the accused. They have been remanded into custody.
Pargi DSP Srinivas commended SI Santosh Kumar and team members Gopal, Javeed, and Balu Naik for swiftly solving the case.
