Anantapur, October 4, 2025 – Local police have successfully dismantled an inter-state crime ring, arresting three individuals responsible for a string of temple and household thefts. Authorities recovered a significant haul of stolen goods, estimated to be worth ₹22 lakh, including valuable gold and silver ornaments.
Superintendent of Police P. Jagadeesh announced the arrests on Saturday, revealing that the gang had pilfered gold, silver, brass, and copper articles from approximately 18 temples across the district and neighboring areas. Additionally, they are linked to the theft of gold jewelry from two residences within the Kalyandurgam mandal.
The apprehended individuals have been identified as V. Marriswamy (also known as Sangeet) and V. Raju from Makodiki village in Shettur mandal, along with M. Srinivasulu from Shettur mandal headquarters. According to SP Jagadeesh, the trio, who were close friends, had developed addictions to gambling and alcohol, leading them into substantial debt. To settle these financial burdens, they resorted to committing these property crimes.
The gang specifically targeted houses and temples situated on the outskirts of villages, gaining entry by forcibly breaking locks. SP Jagadeesh further noted that the group is also implicated in temple thefts across three police station jurisdictions in Karnataka and faces charges related to gambling in the Kalyandurg police limits.
From the suspects, police successfully recovered 12.350 kilograms of silver, 44 grams of gold ornaments, and various brass and copper articles, bringing a significant closure to these widespread property offenses.