Two of Pardhi gang arrested for 11 house burglaries across Telangana

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Two of a five-member Pardhi gang were arrested by Shankarpally police for committing thefts in Shankarpally, BDL Bhanur, Gajwel and surrounding areas.

Speaking about the modus operandi of the gang, police said that the gang members travel along with their families and camp near construction sites before targeting locked houses and shuttered houses.

The two accused, Vishal Bhagwat Shinde, 19, of Solapur district and Krishna Dandekar Bhosale, also 19, of Jalna district in Maharashtra, were arrested by Shankarpally police while allegedly attempting to leave Elvarti village during a vehicle check. Police said the gang had committed 11 thefts over the past six months. The remaining members are absconding.

According to investigators, the gang members would travel by train from areas around Solapur and Jalna in Maharashtra, accompanied by women and children. They would set up temporary camps in tents near under-construction buildings in areas including Shankarpally, Lingampally and Tolichowki.

During the day, the women and children allegedly moved around villages to identify locked houses, shuttered shops and areas with little public movement. At night, the men would target houses, particularly those on village outskirts, approaching them on foot through fields and isolated stretches or sometimes using motorcycles.

Police said the accused wore masks and gloves while conducting reconnaissance and used iron rods to break locks. While one or two members stood guard, the others allegedly broke open cupboards and stole gold and silver ornaments, cash and other valuables.

The gang also allegedly carried sickles and other weapons to attack anyone who tried to intervene, police said. Investigators said the stolen valuables were allegedly sold and converted into cash with the help of Shivamani and the female members of the gang.

Police recovered ₹5,000 in cash, half a tola of gold and an iron rod allegedly used to break locks from the two arrested accused. Special teams have been formed to apprehend the remaining members and recover more stolen property and crime tools.

The absconding accused were identified as Shivaji Bhosale alias Srinivas Bhosale alias Shiva, Rahul Vijay Pawar, Rahul’s father-in-law and Jamuna.

Police advised residents to secure their houses adequately when leaving them vacant and avoid keeping large amounts of cash or expensive jewellery at home. They also urged people to alert the police about suspicious persons, vehicles or groups moving around their neighbourhoods.

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