Online betting addict from AP nabbed for train chain snatchings; Rs 7.7 lakh worth gold recovered

Hyderabad: A junior chemist working in a reputed private laboratory in Hyderabad has landed behind bars after his addiction to online betting and alcohol allegedly drove him to commit chain snatchings on trains.

The Government Railway Police (GRP) arrested the accused, identified as Koruprolu Lavaraju (23) from Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, on Monday and recovered 77 g of stolen gold ornaments worth Rs 7.70 lakh.

Lavish lifestyle leads to crime

According to Secunderabad Railway DSP SN Jawed, Lavaraju was employed as a junior chemist at a private lab in Kazipally and lived in Suraram.

Despite earning a salary of Rs 23,000, he reportedly spent most of it on alcohol, cigarettes and online cricket betting. The insufficient income to support his lifestyle allegedly pushed him to seek ‘easy money’ through illegal means.

Targeting crowded trains

Police said Lavaraju conceived the idea of theft after observing heavy crowds at Secunderabad railway station during a visit from his native place.

Believing it would be easy to commit crimes and escape unnoticed, he carried out two chain snatchings, one on the Simhapuri Express on February 26 and another on the Gowthami Express on August 2.

Spending spree and recovery

Of the three stolen gold chains, Lavaraju allegedly sold two to unidentified persons and pledged the third at a finance firm in Suraram.

The money received from both sales was spent on betting and liquor. Acting on a tip-off, the GRP caught him at Secunderabad railway station under suspicious circumstances.

During interrogation, he confessed to the crimes, and police recovered 77 grams of gold ornaments worth Rs 7.70 lakh, the DSP said