Date:12/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/12/stories/2006051216160300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Others

Fake naxal gang busted

Correspondent

Gang of 12 used to burgle houses of landlords and the rich

Jewellery, Rs. 3.65-lakh cash and car recovered

Cell phone call helps in tracing the culprits

Mahabubnagar: The Nagarkurnool police in the district busted a fake naxalite gang that indulged in looting the houses of landlords and other rich people, on Wednesday night. The police recovered gold, silver ornaments and cash totalling to about Rs. 3.65 lakhs besides a car and two toy pistols from their possession.

Speaking to mediapersons here on Thursday, additional SP G. Satyanaryana said that the gang, consisting of 12 persons, was led by one Peddaraju Srinivasulu (28).

Attempt foiled

He informed that nine members of the gang were arrested by Nagarkurnool police last night while they were trying to loot one more house at Tadoor village and the remaining three members are at large. Mr. Satyanaryana said that a cell phone from which the gang leader Srinivasulu made a call to his friend aided in arresting the gang. The police, with the help of the number registered in the mobile, were able to arrest the gang. He informed that Srinivasulu belongs to Panjugal village in Kalwakurthy mandal and the gang was involved in five dacoity cases. Circle Inspector P. Krishna and Sub Inspector S. Ravinder of Nagarkurnool police were also present at the press meet.