Nalgonda: Nalgonda Crime Control Station (CCS) Police have busted an organised gang allegedly involved in stealing expensive Radio Remote Units (RRUs) from Airtel mobile towers across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Police arrested nine accused, including three engineers, four technical staff members, a driver and a former employee of the company.
According to Nalgonda District Superintendent of Police (SP) Sharath Chandra Pawar, IPS, the gang was allegedly involved in 38 theft cases across the two Telugu speaking states, resulting in losses estimated at approximately ₹1.62 crore.
Police recovered three cars and two motorcycles worth around ₹25 lakh, ₹15 lakh in cash and eight mobile phones from the accused.
Employees Allegedly Targeted Their Own Organisation
- Following repeated thefts of Radio Remote Units from mobile towers in different parts of Nalgonda district, the SP formed two special investigation teams under the supervision of CCS Inspector M. Jitender Reddy.
- During the investigation, police initially suspected outsiders. However, technical analysis revealed that the alleged thefts were being carried out by individuals working within the telecommunications organisation itself.
- Police identified the involvement of three engineers, four riggers (technicians), a driver and a former company employee.
How the Gang Operated
- According to police, the accused allegedly misused their technical knowledge and familiarity with mobile tower infrastructure to identify and target expensive RRUs.
- They reportedly visited mobile towers during nighttime, disconnected the cables, removed the Radio Remote Units and transported the stolen equipment for sale in Hyderabad.
- Police said the accused used the proceeds from the sale of stolen equipment to purchase luxury vehicles and motorcycles and finance their lavish lifestyle.
Two Cases Led to the Investigation
The investigation focused on two complaints involving thefts from mobile towers:
- September 21, 2026: Theft of an RRU from a mobile tower at Kamareddy village in Tripuraram Mandal.
- November 11, 2026: Theft of an RRU from a mobile tower at Melladupplapally village in Nalgonda Rural Mandal.
Cases were registered at Tripuraram and Nalgonda Rural Police Stations under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Nine Accused Arrested During Police Operation
- On November 14, special police teams conducted vehicle checks at two locations.
- Nalgonda Rural Police intercepted five suspects travelling in two cars and a motorcycle near Gigirakalabavigudem. During questioning, they allegedly revealed that they were heading towards Kanchanapally village to commit another RRU theft.
- Meanwhile, Tripuraram Police intercepted another group of four suspects travelling in a car and two motorcycles near Baba Saipeta. One of them was identified as a previous offender.
- Further investigation reportedly established their alleged involvement in several earlier RRU theft cases. All nine accused were taken into custody.
38 Cases Reported Across Different Districts
The investigation revealed the gang’s alleged involvement in 38 cases across multiple districts:
- Nalgonda: 9 cases
- Miryalaguda: 16 cases
- Devarakonda: 2 cases
- Suryapet: 8 cases
- Other districts: 3 cases
Property Seized
- Police seized three cars and two motorcycles valued at approximately ₹25 lakh, ₹15 lakh in cash and eight mobile phones from the accused.
SP Appreciates CCS Police Teams
- SP Sharath Chandra Pawar, IPS, appreciated the officers and personnel who played a key role in detecting the cases and arresting the accused. He also announced rewards for the police teams.
- The operation was carried out under the supervision of CCS Inspector M. Jitender Reddy, with the involvement of Tripuraram SI K. Naresh, Nalgonda Rural SI, CCS SI Suresh and other CCS personnel.
- The successful operation highlights the importance of technical investigation and coordinated policing in detecting organised thefts targeting critical telecommunications infrastructure.
- This report is based on the Nalgonda District Police press release. The allegations against the arrested individuals are subject to judicial proceedings, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
