Telangana gangs pay daily wages for crime
HYDERABAD: Criminal gangs are increasingly recruiting unemployed youth with daily wages, food and promises of quick money to carry out thefts, mobile phone snatching, intimidation and land-grabbing, police investigations have found.
Police uncover organised recruitment of unemployed youth
What was once largely limited to contract killings and kidnappings has expanded to street-level crimes. Investigators say gangs now offer fixed payments for each offence, with earnings linked to experience and performance. Those who consistently meet targets are promoted to lead small groups.
Police said several crime networks are being operated from behind the scenes by habitual offenders from Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, who avoid direct involvement while recruiting youngsters to execute offences.
Four youths from West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh reportedly came to Hyderabad after a broker promised them jobs. They were given accommodation in Tolichowki. A few days later, they allegedly received instructions from an unidentified handler to steal mobile phones from crowded places. They were promised ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 for every stolen handset.
In another case, a private school bus driver from Medchal was approached during the summer vacation when he was out of work. He was allegedly offered ₹2,000 a day and biryani to stay with a group near Keesara. Police later registered a case after the operation was found to be linked to a land-grabbing racket.
Training, incentives and promotions within criminal networks
Police said one settlement in the Golconda Zone has emerged as a base for organised theft gangs. Members travel to public meetings, festivals and processions across the Telugu states to steal mobile phones, gold ornaments and laptops.
According to a police officer, a typical gang comprises four or five members, but only one person carries out the theft while the others assist. Helpers are reportedly paid ₹300 to ₹500 a day, besides food.
Investigators found that gang leaders train recruits to snatch mobile phones and escape from crowded or poorly lit areas. Police also said there is strong demand for stolen second-hand mobile phones among cyber fraudsters, drug traffickers and prostitution rackets. Depending on demand, some gangs are willing to pay recruits up to ₹5,000 a day for mobile phone thefts.
Police added that some vehicle theft gangs operating on the outskirts of the Old City are using minors to steal two-wheelers.
Crime networks encourage recruits to form their own gangs
Police cited the example of a youth from Bihar who allegedly carried out chain-snatching offences in Warangal on the instructions of a gang before handing over the stolen jewellery in return for a commission. Investigators said he later used that experience to recruit other youngsters and form his own gang before being arrested recently.
Police also referred to the murder case of Tanuja, wife of retired IPS officer Vinay Ranjan Ray, at Prashasan Nagar in Jubilee Hills. Investigators said the prime accused, Kalpana, and two co-accused were arrested. According to a senior police officer, the two associates told investigators they had joined the crime after being promised money by Kalpana.
