Treasure trove gangs on the prowl in AP, Telangana: SIT
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The Special Investigation Team (SIT) shaped to research the vandalising of temples in the State sounded a excessive alert in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over the motion of treasure trove gangs.
More than 200 members of the gangs, concerned in comparable offences (damaging of temples) in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and different States deliberate to seek for ‘hidden treasure’ in temples, stated SIT head and DIG G.V.G. Ashok Kumar.
“We were shocked to know that many treasure trove gangs are operating in A.P. and neighbouring States,” the SIT chief informed The Hindu on Friday.
Krishna Superintendent of Police and SIT member M. Ravindranath Babu stated as a part of investigation in Nandi idol vandalising case, police arrested a gang from Telangana. During questioning, the gang members reportedly gave data on the operations of comparable gangs.
“The arrested gang conducted ‘recce’ of nine temples in A.P. and Telangana. They took the pictures of the temples, sanctums, idols of the goddesses and Nandi and other spots where they suspect treasure is hidden, and prepared plans to enter the temples, steal the idols or damage them in their hunt for treasures,” stated Mr. Babu.
“We are trying to find out the so-called astrologers, villagers, precious stone hunters, temple staff and others who helped the gangs in conducting ‘recce’ and taking photographs,” Mr. Ashok Kumar stated.
The SP stated the gang was arrested after they dedicated the first offence in Makkapeta Sri Visweswara Swamy temple, positioned in Vatsavai mandal in Krishna district.
“We have sent the details of the treasure trove gangs which are on the prowl in the State, to the DIGs, SPs and other officers. Interestingly, the gang members created fake ID cards on the name of ‘Hindu Devalayala Abhivrudhi Parirakshana Seva Samithi’ of A.P. and Telangana State and were moving around by flashing the ID cards,” Mr. Babu stated.
SIT groups and the investigation officers will go to the neighbouring States and accumulate the earlier historical past of the gangs from their counterparts, the SP stated including {that a} vigil had been saved on those that had been circulating messages on treasures and spreading superstitions.
“We request the public and the Grama Rakshana Dalams, villagers and the community elders to be alert and help the police in protecting the temples,” the SIT chief appealed.
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