Bapatla Police Crack Down on Inter-District Chain Snatching Ring
In a significant breakthrough for law enforcement in Andhra Pradesh, the Bapatla district police have successfully apprehended two inter-district chain snatchers who were allegedly targeting women traveling alone. The police operation led to the recovery of stolen property valued at approximately Rs 24 lakh, marking a crucial victory in the fight against street crime in the region.
Police Press Conference Reveals Details of the Arrest
District Superintendent of Police B Uma Maheshwar provided comprehensive details during a press conference held at the Bapatla district police headquarters on Monday. The arrests were executed by coordinated teams from the district crime control section (CCS) and Karlapalem Police, showcasing effective inter-departmental collaboration.
Incident That Triggered the Investigation
The case originated from Crime No. 193/2025 registered at Karlapalem police station. The complaint was filed by Karri Lakshmi Prasanna, 41, a Mahila Police officer who was returning home on her scooty after completing her duty on October 29, 2025. According to the report, two men on a motorcycle approached her near the Ayyappa Swamy Temple on NH-216 in Karlapalem, snatched her gold chain, and fled the scene swiftly.
Investigation and Arrest Process
Following this brazen incident, special investigation teams were immediately formed under the guidance of senior police officers. Utilizing advanced technical surveillance and meticulously analyzing CCTV footage from the area, the police were able to trace the movements and identities of the suspects. The breakthrough came on March 1, 2026, around 4 pm, when the accused were apprehended at a tea stall located on NH-216 in Karlapalem mandal.
Identities and Criminal History of the Accused
The arrested individuals have been identified as Patnala Venkata Durgaprabhu Akhil, 28, and Shaik Raja, 28, both residents of Guntur district. Police investigations revealed that they were not isolated offenders but were involved in multiple chain-snatching cases across several towns, including:
- Karlapalem
- Narasaraopet
- Addanki
- Ponnur
Recovery of Stolen Property and Vehicles
During the operation, law enforcement officials seized a substantial amount of evidence, including:
- 129.57 grams of gold ornaments – the stolen property recovered from the accused.
- Three motorcycles – the vehicles used by the perpetrators to commit the crimes across different locations.
The total estimated value of the recovered items is around Rs 24 lakh, underscoring the scale of their criminal activities.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Steps
Police authorities have confirmed that further investigation is currently underway to uncover any additional connections or accomplices. The successful arrest and recovery operation highlight the commitment of the Bapatla district police to enhancing public safety and cracking down on organized crime targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly women traveling alone.
