Former Software Engineer Nabbed in Major Vizag Burglary Crackdown
In a significant breakthrough, the Gajuwaka police, operating under the Visakhapatnam police commissionerate, apprehended a former software engineer on Saturday in connection with a staggering series of house break-in cases across Vizag city. The arrest marks the culmination of an extensive investigation into property crimes that have plagued the area.
Substantial Recovery of Stolen Property
Authorities successfully recovered a substantial cache of stolen goods from the offender, including approximately 700 grams of gold ornaments and 3.8 kilograms of silver ornaments. Additionally, police seized a BMW car that was purchased using the proceeds from the burglaries, along with a scooter and various house-breaking tools. This recovery underscores the scale of the criminal operations involved.
Identity and Background of the Accused
The accused has been identified as Achhi Mahesh Reddy, aged 27, who also goes by the alias Sunny. A resident of Park Street in the Madhavadhara area of Vizag city, Reddy is originally a native of Kakinada district. Despite his educational background and previous employment at a prominent IT company in Hyderabad, he chose a path of crime to finance a lavish lifestyle, according to police statements.
Details of the Crime Spree
Vizag police chief Shankabrata Bagchi revealed that a series of house break-in incidents were reported across various parts of the city, resulting in the theft of property valued at over Rs 25 lakh. This included 1,085 grams of gold, 6,333 grams of silver, and Rs 40,500 in cash. After months of diligent investigation, police obtained a concrete clue that led to the arrest of Mahesh Reddy.
Criminal History and Previous Offenses
Sunny's criminal activities are not new; he was first accused of property offences under the PM Palem police station limits in Vizag city when he was just 15 years old, leading to his placement in a juvenile home. Following his release, he escalated his activities, committing over 32 burglaries within the limits of Kakinada town, Sarapavaram, Ramachandrapuram, Indrapalem, and Rajahmundry police stations.
He also served a 14-month sentence in Rajahmundry central jail. Altogether, authorities believe he is involved in more than 60 house burglary cases. Police noted that he occasionally returned to Visakhapatnam to carry out thefts while maintaining a luxurious lifestyle in Hyderabad.
Broader Implications and Police Efforts
This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by Vizag police to combat property crimes and bring perpetrators to justice. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges in addressing recidivism and the factors that drive individuals with promising backgrounds into criminal enterprises. The recovery of assets and the detailed investigation demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement to safeguarding community property.
