Date:13/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/13/stories/2006111317040500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

House burgled, jewellery stolen

Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD: In a fourth burglary reported in the city since Thursday, burglars struck at the house of retired Joint Director of Board of Intermediate at Asmangadh in Malakpet on Sunday and fled with gold ornaments, cash and some US dollars — all worth over Rs.3 lakhs.

The police said offenders gained entry into the house of J. Chandrasekhara Rao by breaking open the main door lock and stole the ornaments weighing 32 tolas, Rs.15,000 in cash and $1,000. The theft occurred when Mr. Rao and his family went to a church at Narayanguda.

Mr. Rao's family returned from the USA just two days ago. "We are suspecting that it could be the handiwork of persons who know the topography of the area," the police said. Clues team and fingerprint experts were pressed into service to collect scientific evidence from the spot.

On Thursday, burglars broke into the house of P. Subhramanyam, Special Secretary to the Chief Minister at Punjagutta and escaped with three mobile phones, jewellery and Rs.6,000.

Offenders took away ornaments from a grocery store owner Farqoon Ahmed's house at Moosabowli. A thief made away with jewellery and Rs.1,000 in cash from a high-rise apartment flat at Durgabhai Deshmukh Colony in Amberpet on Friday.