Hyderabad: Bike Theft Gang Busted by Bachupally Police
The Bachupally police successfully arrested a notorious gang involved in stealing bikes under the guise of test rides. The gang targeted individuals selling bikes on the OLX app. Two members of the gang, Ongolu Ramesh Babu (27) and Chandramolu Gundappa (24), both delivery executives residing in Quthbullapur Mandal, Medchal-Malkajgiri district, were taken into custody. The police recovered six stolen bikes worth approximately Rs. 4 lakh. Another accomplice, P. Narsimha, is currently on the run.
The case came to light on January 23 when an IT employee from the Bachupally area filed a complaint. He stated that he had posted an advertisement on OLX to sell his bike. A potential buyer contacted him and visited his residence claiming interest. During the meeting, the accused asked for a test ride and fled with the bike. Acting on this complaint, the police registered a case under relevant sections and began their investigation.
K. Suresh Kumar, DCP of Balanagar Zone, shared that the crime staff analyzed CCTV footage from the area. The suspects were spotted riding a stolen bike, and the police intercepted them. During interrogation, the accused confessed to stealing six bikes under similar circumstances. The stolen bikes were traced back to cases in Bachupally (3 bikes), Miyapur, Jagadgirigutta, and KPHB.
The police revealed that the gang resorted to theft due to financial difficulties. To settle their debts, they planned to steal bikes for quick money. They browsed OLX for advertisements of bikes on sale, visited the sellers, requested test rides, and then escaped with the vehicles.
The two arrested individuals were apprehended on Sunday with the help of CCTV footage. They are being presented before the court for judicial custody, while efforts are underway to locate their absconding accomplice.
