In a startling revelation emerging from a tragic road accident, the Andhra Pradesh Police have busted a major organised car theft racket allegedly operated by the son of a police officer. The case, which originated from a fatal crash that claimed the lives of five engineering students, has led investigators deep into a web of vehicle theft, forgery, and other serious crimes in Palnadu district.
From Tragic Accident to Criminal Conspiracy
The investigation traces back to a devastating incident on December 4 on the Chilakaluripet bypass near Ganapavaram in Nadendla mandal. Five young engineering students lost their lives in a chain-reaction crash. Police scrutiny of CCTV footage revealed a shocking sequence: the accident occurred when a group of accused individuals attempted to illegally stop a heavy lorry to extort money. This reckless act set off the events that led to the fatal collision.
The probe into this tragedy led police to the prime accused, Venkata Naidu. What began as an accident investigation quickly unraveled into a much larger criminal operation. Following his arrest, police unearthed a series of grave allegations against Naidu, painting a picture of a seasoned offender involved in multiple illegal activities.
The Unraveling of a Car Theft Network
Police officials on Saturday announced a significant breakthrough, seizing eight more stolen cars from the accused. These vehicles were shifted to the police station for a detailed forensic and technical investigation. This haul comes on top of 10 vehicles recovered earlier in the same case.
With these latest seizures, investigators have firmly established that the gang stole at least 22 cars in total. The modus operandi involved targeting largely finance-linked vehicles. After stealing them, the gang would allegedly divert and sell the cars at throwaway prices. To avoid detection, they fitted the vehicles with forged number plates and used fake registration documents.
Efforts are currently underway to trace and seize the remaining four vehicles, which are suspected to have been sold to unsuspecting buyers using counterfeit paperwork. The entire accused gang is now in police custody as the investigation widens.
A History of Crime and Alleged Parental Shield
Further digging into Venkata Naidu's past revealed a troubling criminal portfolio extending beyond car theft. He faces allegations of involvement in ganja trafficking and financial fraud. One particularly audacious case registered near Kotappakonda in 2023 accuses him of luring victims with an offer to exchange demonetised Rs 2,000 notes. In this scheme, he allegedly robbed them of a staggering Rs 50 lakh along with a car, after demanding an upfront commission of Rs 10 lakh.
The case took another dramatic turn with the involvement of the accused's father, Assistant Sub-Inspector Srinivasa Rao. Posted in Narasaraopet for nearly 15 years, ASI Rao was initially transferred to Veldurthi police station. This move came amid mounting allegations that he misused his official position to shield his son from legal action.
As evidence began to suggest his alleged complicity or wilful negligence in his son's activities, the Superintendent of Police took a stricter step. ASI Srinivasa Rao has now been placed under suspension, pending a full departmental inquiry into his conduct and the serious accusations against him.
The case highlights a severe breach of trust and law, connecting a family tragedy for five students to a systemic criminal enterprise operating under the nose of law enforcement. The Palnadu district police continue their investigation to dismantle the entire network and ensure all involved face justice.
