Hyderabad Software Engineer Arrested in Major Burglary Spree Across Visakhapatnam
In a shocking case of white-collar crime, a 27-year-old software engineer from Hyderabad has been apprehended by the Gajuwaka police in Visakhapatnam for his alleged involvement in a series of at least 26 house burglaries. Officials revealed that the accused, a postgraduate professional, resorted to criminal activities to sustain a lavish lifestyle that his salary could not support.
Lavish Lifestyle Funded by Stolen Proceeds
According to Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner Shankabrata Bagchi, the techie targeted locked houses, using the stolen proceeds to purchase a luxury BMW car. The burglaries involved the theft of over 1 kilogram of gold, 6 kilograms of silver, and approximately Rs 40,500 in cash. Following his arrest, authorities recovered 699 grams of gold ornaments, 3.8 kilograms of silver ornaments, and the BMW vehicle. Police also suspect that the accused used the illicit funds to finance several international trips, highlighting the extent of his extravagant spending.
Sophisticated Modus Operandi and Disguise Tactics
Investigators detailed that the accused would allegedly drive his BMW while conducting reconnaissance of homes where the owners were away. He employed simple tools such as hammers, cutters, and screwdrivers to break into properties, and wore a mask and cap to conceal his identity during the crimes. To avoid detection, he traveled long distances to select targets and never returned to the same locality within a short timeframe, demonstrating a calculated approach to his illegal activities.
History of Criminal Behavior and Previous Arrests
Police investigations uncovered a troubling criminal past. The techie had been arrested previously as a teenager for allegedly breaking into four houses, resulting in a stint at a juvenile home for a few weeks. He also served 14 months in jail for a series of break-ins around his native place, Kakinada. An officer stated that his involvement has now been linked to a total of 62 break-ins, indicating a long-standing pattern of burglary offenses.
This case underscores the alarming trend of professionals turning to crime to fulfill material desires, raising concerns about societal pressures and financial mismanagement. The arrest serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of pursuing an unsustainable lifestyle through unlawful means.
