Major Laptop Heist at Hyderabad's CR Rao AIMSCS Institute
In a brazen overnight burglary, thieves targeted the prestigious CR Rao Advanced Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science (AIMSCS) located on the University of Hyderabad campus, making off with 60 laptops valued at approximately ₹12 lakh. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, raising serious security concerns at the well-guarded academic facility.
Precision Operation by Seasoned Offenders
According to Gachibowli police officials, the burglary appears to have been executed by individuals well-versed with the campus security infrastructure. The perpetrators struck between 3 AM and 4 AM, gaining entry through a rear window of the computer laboratory. Before entering, they deliberately severed the CCTV cable inside the lab to avoid detection, demonstrating calculated planning.
"There is CCTV inside the lab and also at the entrance of AIMCS. The offenders cut off the cable of CCTV inside the lab before entering. They also gained entry from the window behind AIMCS, where there was no camera," a Gachibowli police official confirmed.
Security Lapses and Institutional Response
The theft was discovered on Monday morning when institute staff arrived and opened the lab door. They immediately alerted senior authorities and filed a formal police complaint. CR Rao AIMSCS registrar CN Varma lodged the complaint, prompting Gachibowli police to register a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Interestingly, University of Hyderabad registrar Devesh Nigam clarified that while AIMSCS is physically located on the UoH campus, it operates independently with its own management, faculty, and security arrangements. "They have their own management, faculty and security," Nigam stated, distancing the university from direct responsibility.
Police Investigation and Forensic Evidence
Gachibowli police have launched a comprehensive investigation, with the CLUES Team collecting forensic evidence from the crime scene. Police inspector K Balaraju revealed that the institute had a security guard stationed at the building entrance, but he reportedly heard nothing suspicious during the incident.
"We suspect that the accused parked their car a little away from AIMCS building and walked to it with stolen laptops through the trees behind the building. There are cameras across the university campus. Details of vehicles entering and leaving the campus are noted down by the security. We are verifying CCTV footage and vehicle entry logs to identify the accused," Inspector Balaraju explained.
Institutional Connections and Broader Implications
The incident has highlighted vulnerabilities in campus security despite multiple surveillance measures. JNTUH registrar K Venkateswara Rao confirmed that AIMSCS has a memorandum of understanding with JNTU for providing engineering degrees, adding another layer of institutional connection to the affected facility.
Police are currently analyzing security footage from various campus gates and examining vehicle entry logs to trace the perpetrators. The case has been registered under Sections 331(4) and 305(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, covering lurking house-trespass by night and theft in buildings used for property custody.
This sophisticated theft operation at a prominent academic institution underscores the need for enhanced security protocols, even within guarded educational campuses. The investigation continues as authorities work to recover the stolen equipment and apprehend those responsible for this significant property loss.
