Hyderabad: In a major breakthrough against organised property crime, the Chilakalaguda Police have arrested three alleged members of the notorious “Bruce Lee” gang, including its alleged mastermind, in connection with a series of robberies and thefts across Hyderabad. A juvenile in conflict with the law (CCL) has also been taken into custody.
The arrested accused have been identified as Darla Nehemiah alias “Bruce Lee” (30), a native of Hubballi in Karnataka, Dara Ashwant (27), and Nitin Francis alias Bablu (22) of Rasoolpura. Police said the gang was involved in multiple robbery, burglary and property crime cases in Hyderabad.
Bhoiguda Robbery Solved
According to the police, the breakthrough came during the investigation into a robbery reported in the Bhoiguda area on June 22. The victim, C. Rajkumar, a resident of Jawaharnagar in Musheerabad, was allegedly intercepted by four men while purchasing food at Flora Hotel in Bhoiguda.
Police said the accused forcibly took the victim towards Padmarao Nagar, assaulted him, robbed him of a Redmi A3X mobile phone and ₹6,000 in cash, and later abandoned him near the Alagaddabavi railway underbridge after issuing threats.
Following a complaint, the Chilakalaguda Police launched an investigation using CCTV footage, technical surveillance and other evidence, leading to the identification and arrest of the accused.
History of Criminal Activities
Police stated that the alleged gang leader, Darla Nehemiah alias Bruce Lee, has an extensive criminal history, with around 65 criminal cases registered against him in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, including cases related to murder, attempted murder, robbery and house burglaries.
Investigators further alleged that Nehemiah recruited associates while lodged in Chanchalguda Central Jail, forming a criminal network that became active soon after his release in June 2026.
Police also suspect the gang’s involvement in several other crimes, including an attack on a watchman during a robbery in Anantapur, an attempted house break-in in Alwal, and a house burglary in Meerpet, where gold ornaments and cash were reportedly stolen.
Recoveries and Investigation
During the operation, police recovered a stolen Redmi mobile phone, an Activa scooter, and ₹2.25 lakh in cash, which investigators believe is linked to theft cases under investigation.
The arrested accused were produced before a Secunderabad court, while the juvenile was presented before the Juvenile Justice Board. Further investigation is underway to determine the gang’s involvement in additional offences.
Police Warning to Habitual Offenders
Secunderabad Zone Deputy Commissioner of Police Rakshita Krishnamurthy, IPS, said Hyderabad Police are following a zero tolerance policy against organised robbery and property crimes.
She warned that habitual offenders would remain under constant surveillance even after their release from prison and that stringent legal measures, including the Preventive Detention (PD) Act, would be invoked wherever necessary against those involved in repeated criminal activities.
The DCP also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activities by dialling the police emergency helpline to help prevent crime and improve public safety.
