Brilliant College robbery: Rachakonda cops arrest 2, detain minor; Google Maps used to plan break-in

Hyderabad: Rachakonda Police apprehended two accused and detained a juvenile delinquent linked to an inter-state burglary syndicate that looted Rs 1.07 crore from Brilliant Engineering College, Abdullapurmet.

The arrests were made at Kothaguda X Road during a vehicle check conducted at 5 am on Tuesday, resulting in the recovery of Rs 37.05 lakh in cash and a mobile phone.

Profiles of arrested and missing accused

Those arrested have been identified as Raj Manohar Pawar (22), a BBA student from Gujarat; Rithik alias Rithik Mohite (24), a BA LLB student from Madhya Pradesh; and a 16-year-old juvenile, all of whom were in possession of stolen cash.

Three others, Dinesh Mohite (27), Arun Mohite alias Kalu (18) and Vilas Chohan (22), remain absconding. Police stated that Dinesh and Arun are habitual property offenders with prior cases in Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Breakdown of seized cash

A total of Rs 37,05,000 was recovered, including Rs 16,00,000 from Raj Manohar Pawar, Rs 5,65,000 and a mobile phone from Rithik Mohite, and Rs 15,40,000 from the juvenile.

Complaint on Rs 1.07 crore theft sparked an investigation

The case originated from a complaint filed on October 10 by V Veeranna, Principal of Brilliant Grammar School Group of Institutions–Integrated Campus.

He reported that on the morning of October 10, he discovered the admin office locks were broken. Burglars had pried open a steel almirah and stolen Rs 1,07,00,000, which represented student fee collections.

Modus Operandi: Colleges targeted through Google Maps

Investigations revealed that the gang followed a systematic pattern. They selected educational institutions located in isolated areas near national highways, using Google Maps to identify targets.

The gang typically operated in groups of five to six, using two-foot-long screwdrivers to force open doors and locks, and fled immediately after the theft in autos, private vehicles or sleeper buses.

Planning and execution of the Hyderabad heist

Police established that the accused, who are distantly related, assembled in Umargam, Gujarat, in early October. Dinesh (Accused number 1), identified as a professional burglar, planned to target engineering colleges in Hyderabad.

The group travelled from Vapi- Mumbai- Aurangabad- Hyderabad, arriving on October 9. After spending the day at Zoo Park and purchasing gloves, they first surveyed Shreyas College, Tattiannaram, but abandoned their plan due to security presence.

Later, using Google Maps, they selected Brilliant Engineering College at Batasingaram as it met their criteria of isolation and proximity to the highway. They reached the campus in an auto, hid in surrounding bushes until midnight and then broke in through the admin block, stealing Rs 1.07 crore kept inside a steel almirah.

Distribution of loot and escape route

The stolen cash was equally divided, with each of the six members, including the juvenile, receiving Rs 17.83 lakh. A portion of the money belonging to Raj Manohar (A3), Rithik (A4) and the juvenile was hidden in an abandoned room near the college.