Six-Member Interstate Gang Arrested for Targeting Bus Passengers in Telangana

Authorities in Jadcherla have dismantled an interstate criminal network responsible for a series of thefts targeting bus travellers across Telangana. The Mahabubnagar district police announced the arrests of six suspects during a press briefing held at Jadcherla Police Station on Tuesday.

The accused—Sandeep, Ashok, Praveen, Rajesh, Sunil Kumar, and Sachin—are all residents of Haryana. Investigators identified Sandeep as the mastermind of the operation, with Sachin serving as the getaway driver. Several members of the group have prior criminal records.

The gang's modus operandi involved boarding crowded interstate buses as regular passengers and identifying targets—primarily women and travellers visibly carrying jewellery. The suspects would deliberately cause commotion in the bus, then use sharp implements to slash bags or forcibly open zippers to extract gold ornaments. Following each theft, they would jump from moving vehicles and escape in their car.

Police documented at least two confirmed incidents. On May 7, the group targeted a woman near Netaji Chowrasta in Jadcherla, absconding with gold from her bag before heading towards Kurnool. A second theft occurred on May 18, when the suspects tailed passengers arriving by auto at the Jadcherla bus stand and stole jewellery near the flyover after cutting open a bag.

The breakthrough came on Tuesday when Sub-Inspector K. Mallesh and other personnel conducting routine vehicle checks near Jadcherla bus stand spotted the suspects. When the accused attempted to flee upon noticing the police presence, officers apprehended them. Investigators recovered the stolen gold ornaments, totalling approximately 10 tolas, along with the Kia Carens vehicle employed in the crimes.

All six individuals have been placed in judicial custody pending further proceedings.

Mahabubnagar DSP Venkateshwarlu commended the investigative team for resolving the cases, noting that District SP D. Janaki had also praised their efforts. The DSP urged passengers travelling on buses to remain vigilant and take precautions to safeguard their belongings from criminal elements.