Burglar targeting VIPs in posh Banjarahills, Keeps Hyderabad cops on tenterhooks

Hyderabad: Days after the back-to-back theft at two VIP houses at Banjara Hills in Hyderabad, an investigation team of 66 members continues their hunt for the burglar.

On August 27, a burglar broke into the house of businessman Uttam Reddy, nephew of former Rajya Sabha MP T Subbarami Reddy, located at Banjara Hills and stole ornaments worth Rs. 2 crore. A few days before this incident, a similar theft had taken place in the area in the residence of Villa Marie College Principal Dr Philomena. The offender decamped with over Rs. 25 lakh worth of gold and Rs. 1 lakh cash.

The investigation team suspects that both the theft operations have been carried out by the same burglar.

K Ravi Kumar, Additional Inspector, Banjara Hills.“An investigation is still going, and our team is collecting evidence”,

“The mode of theft and physical features caught on CCTV cameras of both the offenders are similar”, added K Ravi Kumar.

Additionally, considering the way thefts were comfortably committed under the CCTV camera surveillance and other security measures, the police suspects the offender to be highly skilled. The Banjara Hills police have formed a special investigation team of 66 members to crack the case.

“We are still collecting evidence from CCTV footage and call records of the family members. Offenders who are in jail are also questioned,” police said.

The burglar entered the VIP houses by scaling the boundary walls while the residents were deep asleep. He wore a mask, gloves and full sleeve shirt.

While the theft at Uttam Reddy’s residence took place at between 2:00 am, and 4:00 am, the one at Philomena’s happened early in the morning. The house has 22 Closed Circuit V cameras.