Hyderabad: In a shocking revelation, an organized interstate mobile snatching gang operating across Hyderabad allegedly dismantled stolen smartphones into spare parts and sold the components to mobile repair shops after targeting victims in crowded public places.
The racket came to light after Kanchanbagh police cracked a mobile phone snatching case linked to the theft of a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold-5 near DMRL X Road.
The investigation eventually exposed a larger network involved in snatching premium smartphones, dismantling them and illegally circulating the parts in local markets.
Police arrested six persons in connection with the case and seized several stolen phones, dismantled mobile components and a motorcycle used in the offences.
Samsung Fold-5 snatching led to breakthrough
According to police, the investigation began after Syed Nazeer Ahmed complained that unidentified persons riding a motorcycle snatched his Samsung Galaxy Z Fold-5 mobile phone near DMRL X Road under Kanchanbagh police station limits on April 15.
A case was registered and police teams launched an intensive investigation using CCTV footage, technical surveillance and field intelligence.
The probe revealed that the accused were part of a well-organized gang operating in Hyderabad, Secunderabad and nearby districts.
Crowded places were prime targets
Police found that the gang specifically targeted crowded locations such as RTC bus stations, bus stops, markets, tiffin centres and busy roads where commuters were distracted.
Police also said the gang members worked in groups and performed different roles during the crimes. Some identified vulnerable targets, particularly elderly people and bus passengers, while others monitored police movement or executed the snatching before escaping on motorcycles.
The accused allegedly used newspapers, shopping covers and crowd movement to conceal their actions. In some instances, they distracted victims by dropping currency notes or surrounding them while boarding buses.
Premium smartphones targeted
Police said the gang mainly focused on stealing expensive smartphones including Samsung Fold series, iPhones, Vivo, Oppo, OnePlus and Redmi devices.
After the thefts, the phones were allegedly handed over to receivers and mobile handlers who either sold the devices at cheap prices or dismantled them into spare parts.
Investigators found that identification details were erased, SIM cards changed and stolen phones circulated through illegal channels.
Hundreds of dismantled phone parts seized
During raids, police recovered 132 mobile batteries, 172 mobile bodies without motherboards and 73 camera modules belonging to brands such as Apple, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, Redmi, Realme and Infinix.
Several stolen smartphones including iPhones, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, Redmi, OnePlus, Poco and IQOO devices were also seized.
Police also confiscated a Bajaj Pulsar motorcycle allegedly used in the crimes along with phone pouches and other incriminating material.
Six arrested, more accused absconding
The arrested accused were identified as Ambata Naresh alias Kavati Naresh, Banala Arun Kumar alias Nani, Mekala Chiranjeevi alias Chiru, Thota Suri alias Suresh alias Surya, Thota Chandu and Sandeep Jaiswal, who allegedly acted as a receiver of stolen property.
Police said several other accused persons linked to the gang are absconding and efforts are underway to trace them.
Investigators also found that many of the accused were habitual offenders involved in previous theft and snatching cases registered in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Police advisory to public
The Rajendranagar Zone Deputy Commissioner of Police appreciated the Kanchanbagh police team for successfully detecting the organized gang through technical investigation and coordinated field work.
Police advised citizens to remain cautious while carrying costly mobile phones in crowded places and public transport and urged people not to purchase second-hand phones without proper bills or documents.
The public was also asked to immediately report thefts or suspicious activity through Dial-100 or at nearby police stations.