In a significant breakthrough, Puttaparthi Urban police have apprehended one suspect in a bold ₹17.45 lakh theft that shook Sanskruthi College last month. The arrest comes after weeks of investigation into the carefully executed burglary that saw thieves target the institution's accounts section.

Key facts

  • ₹17,45,450 stolen from college almirah on July 23
  • ₹4.5 lakh recovered from arrested suspect
  • Three special teams hunting for two absconding suspects

The Night of the Heist

According to Superintendent of Police S. Satish Kumar, the theft unfolded on the night of July 23 when a three-member gang allegedly entered the accounts section from the rear of the building. They broke open an almirah and made off with ₹17,45,450 in cash—a substantial sum that immediately raised alarms.

The Arrest and Recovery

Police finally caught their break on Friday evening around 9:30 p.m., apprehending 28-year-old Alex Manohar Pawar near Veerabrahmendra Swamy temple at Mamillakunta Cross. The arrest yielded not only the suspect but also ₹4.5 lakh in recovered cash, a smart watch, a mobile phone, and a bag. Investigators revealed that Pawar, who also goes by the alias Murali, hails from Gujarat and has been involved in seven previous burglary cases across India.

The Hunt Continues

While one suspect is in custody, the search intensifies for two others who remain at large. Kajuram alias Akash (23) from Bihar and Bedi alias Ajay Chauhan (20) from Uttar Pradesh are still evading capture. Police have formed three special teams dedicated to tracking them down, indicating the seriousness with which authorities are treating this case.

The investigation continues under various sections of the BNS, with technical evidence and movement tracking playing crucial roles in the breakthrough. For the college community and local residents, the arrest brings some relief, though the missing suspects and remaining stolen funds mean this story is far from over.