Six arrested in crackdown on interstate mobile snatching ring operating across Hyderabad

Hyderabad police have successfully dismantled a well-organised interstate criminal network responsible for systematic mobile phone thefts, pickpocketing and robbery operations throughout the city and neighbouring regions.

The investigation led to the arrest of six individuals: Ambata Naresh (also known as Kavati Naresh), Banala Arun Kumar (known as Nani), Mekala Chiranjeevi (Chiru), Thota Suri (Suresh or Surya), Thota Chandu, and receiver Sandeep Jaiswal.

The breakthrough came after Syed Nazeer Ahmed filed a complaint on April 15, 2026, reporting that his Samsung Galaxy Z Fold-5 had been snatched by unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle near DMRL X Road in the Kanchanbagh jurisdiction. Police registered the matter as Crime No.78/2026 and initiated a comprehensive investigation.

Detectives employed multiple investigative techniques including examination of CCTV recordings, tracking of suspect patterns, technical analysis and ground-level inquiries to identify and apprehend the accused.

Operating from crowded locations

The gang deliberately targeted high-footfall zones such as bus terminals, RTC stations, retail markets, food establishments and congested thoroughfares. Members operated as a coordinated unit with clearly defined responsibilities—some scouted for potential victims while others monitored police activity in the vicinity.

The snatchers employed a consistent modus operandi, using newspapers or shopping bags to conceal their faces while extracting expensive smartphones from shirt pockets and bags. Motorcycle riders stationed nearby facilitated rapid getaways following each theft.

Premium brands such as Samsung's Fold series, iPhones, Vivo, Oppo, OnePlus and Redmi models were their primary targets. Stolen handsets were subsequently offloaded for between Rs.1,500 and Rs.2,000 each.

Parts trafficking operation

Beyond immediate resale, the gang systematically dismantled numerous devices, extracting and selling components to mobile repair shops and retail dealers. During the investigation, authorities recovered 132 batteries, 172 phone bodies stripped of motherboards, and 73 camera modules sourced from brands including Vivo, Oppo, Samsung, Apple and Redmi.

Seized evidence also included one iPhone, two OnePlus devices, four Vivo handsets and three Samsung phones. Police additionally recovered a Bajaj Pulsar motorcycle allegedly utilised in commission of the crimes.

Criminal history

Investigators established that several gang members possessed prior criminal convictions for theft, snatching and related offences across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police overseeing the Rajendranagar Zone commended the Kanchanbagh police team for their successful investigation and dismantling of the organised criminal enterprise.