Valuables worth over Rs 75 lakh seized from repeat offender in Bapatla district

Vijayawada: Inkollu police in Bapatla district cracked a major burglary case within 24 hours with the arrest of an interstate thief. The cops recovered stolen property worth Rs 75.5 lakh, including Rs 55.5 lakh cash and 24 sovereigns of gold. The accused identified as Mohammad Shareef (34) from Telangana is a repeat offender involved in 14 previous theft cases.According to police, Shareef broke into a penthouse in Inkollu and stole valuables that were locked in the cellar. Acting on a tip-off, the cops arrested him and recovered the stolen property from his possession.Superintendent of Police (SP) Tushar Dudi said that one Jagarlamudi Siva Prasad, businessman and owner of a school, filed a theft complaint with the police. Prasad, who resides in a three-storey building opposite RTC bus stand in the village, stated in his complaint that around 8:30 am on Friday he discovered that the cellar of his building was broken into. He informed that there were cash and the family's gold ornaments in the cellar, adding, the second floor, where he was sleeping, remained undisturbed.The stolen cash included proceeds from the sale of Bengal gram and school fee collections. Upon discovering the break-in, Prasad immediately reported the incident to the police following which, a case was registered.Based on a tip-off, a special team that was formed, nabbed Shareef at Inkollu-Kadavakururu crossroads near a water servicing point and recovered the stolen valuables from his possession. It was found that Shareef has a long history of involvement in property crimes. Addicted to bad habits, he took the crime route at the age of 19. Due to his criminal activities, his wife and two daughters live separately.Investigation revealed that while serving a sentence at Chanchalguda central prison, Shareef came in acquaintance with one Sai from Inkollu. The duo stayed in touch after being released from jail. On March 30, Shareef arrived in Inkollu and started working as a cook at Sai's shop. Meanwhile, he planned and executed the theft.SP Tushar appealed to the public, especially those planning vacations or pilgrimages during the summer holidays, to inform local police stations before leaving their homes locked for extended periods. He assured that such information would help the department intensify patrols in vulnerable areas and prevent similar incidents.