The Hyderabad Commissioner’s Task Force, Jubilee Hills Zone Team, in coordination with Khammam Police, has apprehended a multi state gang allegedly involved in cattle thefts and mobile-shop shutter lifting thefts across Telangana and other states.
Police said the operation was carried out based on credible information. The investigation has reportedly linked the accused to 17 cases, involving cattle thefts and thefts from mobile-phone shops in Telangana and Madhya Pradesh.
Police said the gang allegedly stole cattle from isolated sheds and later shifted to targeting mobile phone shops after demand for cattle reduced following Ramzan and Bakrid.
Cattle Theft Cases Across Telangana
- According to police, Md. Tabrez and Mohd. Rafeeq were allegedly involved in all 13 cattle theft cases. Other accused members allegedly participated in selected incidents.
- The cattle thefts were reported across areas including Nagarkurnool, Mahbubnagar and Nalgonda districts, including the Future City area.
- Police alleged that the gang identified cattle sheds located in isolated areas and operated during late night hours. They allegedly used Xylazine injections to sedate cattle before loading them into vehicles.
- The stolen cattle were allegedly transported to markets and sold at lower prices.
- Police also said one accused, P. Sai Reddy, allegedly supplied the Xylazine injections.
Gang Shifted to Mobile-Shop Thefts
- After Ramzan and Bakrid, police said the accused allegedly shifted their focus from cattle theft to shutter lifting thefts at mobile phone shops.
- Investigators said Tabrez contacted an old associate, Farahan Shaik, after May 28, 2026. Farahan allegedly suggested targeting mobile phone shops and helped connect the group with people involved in disposing of stolen mobile phones.
Khammam Mobile Shop Theft
- On June 11, 2026, Tabrez, Farahan and Rafeeq allegedly targeted Sonovision mobile phone shop in Khammam.
- Police said stolen mobile phones were subsequently moved through intermediaries in Mumbai.
- According to the investigation, Mohd. Zahed Khan alias Raja Bhai allegedly purchased the stolen phones for approximately ₹20 lakh through the network.
- The accused allegedly shared the money received from the stolen phones and used part of the proceeds for their personal expenses.
- After learning that Khammam Police were pursuing them, the accused allegedly fled to Mumbai.
Two Mobile-Shop Thefts in Ujjain
- Police said the gang later travelled to Madhya Pradesh.
- On July 10, 2026, Tabrez and Rafeeq allegedly committed two shutter-lifting thefts at mobile phone shops in the Freeganj area of Ujjain.
- The stolen mobile phones were allegedly moved through Mumbai based contacts for disposal.
- Police said the gang later planned another theft in Gujarat. They allegedly conducted a recce of potential targets but abandoned the plan after noticing police patrols.
- While attempting to escape, the accused allegedly met with a road accident. One member reportedly suffered a hand fracture.
- Police said the vehicle was abandoned because it was allegedly being used with a fake registration number. Two additional duplicate number plates and an iron rod were also reportedly found in the vehicle.
Alleged Network for Disposal of Stolen Phones
- Investigators said Mohd. Zahed Khan alias Raja Bhai allegedly played a key role in receiving and disposing of stolen mobile phones.
- Police said Zahed had previously worked as a mobile phone mechanic and later entered the used phone business. He allegedly developed contacts for procuring stolen phones from different states.
- According to police, he allegedly handled around 400 to 500 mobile phones per month, including new, used, damaged and stolen devices and spare parts.
- Police said he maintained contacts in Mumbai, including areas such as Chor Bazaar and Madanpura, to obtain and dispose of mobile phones.
Alleged Bangladesh Connection
- The investigation also revealed an alleged international disposal route.
- Police said a person identified as Kasim, a native of Dhaka, Bangladesh, allegedly helped transport stolen mobile phones towards Bangladesh on a commission basis.
- According to the police version, phones collected in Mumbai were packed and transported by road or bus towards Kolkata. They were then allegedly moved into Bangladesh through unauthorised waterways.
- Police said some associates allegedly collected phones directly from Zahed in Mumbai before arranging their onward transportation.
- Investigators are also examining suspected financial transactions, including possible Hawala transactions, linked to the network.
Police Prevent Further Theft
- Police said the accused later allegedly procured a Volkswagen Vento car to carry out further thefts in Hyderabad.
- On August 17, 2026, Task Force personnel apprehended the accused in Hyderabad while they were allegedly planning another offence.
- Police said the gang was caught before it could execute the planned theft.
Seized Property
Police reported the seizure of:
- 15 mobile phones
- Three four-wheelers
- ₹22 lakh cash
- One number plate
Police said the seized cash is suspected to be proceeds connected with stolen property.
Multiple Accused and Absconders
- Police identified several accused members in the case, including Md. Tabrez, Mohd. Rafeeq, Mohammed Zubair Akthar, Mohammed Naveed, P. Sai Reddy, Farahan Shaik, Mubeen Shaik, Mehboob Shaikh alias Papa and Mohd. Zahed Khan alias Raja Bhai.
- Three other alleged associates Abu alias Afzal, Kalu of Mumbai and Zasim/Kasim of Dhaka — were reported to be absconding.
- Police said further investigation is continuing to establish the complete network, trace the stolen property and verify the alleged financial transactions.
Business Galaxy Fact Check
The information in this report is based on the Hyderabad Commissioner’s Task Force police statement. Allegations about the accused persons involvement, the stolen phone disposal network, Bangladesh route and suspected financial transactions are police allegations and remain subject to investigation and legal proceedings.
