Two interstate burglars held in Hyderabad; gold, silver worth ₹33 lakh seized
HYDERABAD: The Commissioner’s Task Force (Golconda Zone) and Habeeb Nagar police arrested two alleged interstate offenders involved in multiple house burglaries across several states and seized gold and silver ornaments worth ₹33,71,475.55.
The arrested accused were identified as Saleem Qureshi, also known as Hamed Qureshi and Munna Qureshi, 53, a chef residing in Tolichowki, and Mohammed Ghouse Pasha, 33, a driver from Tallagadda in Hyderabad. A third suspect, Saber from Mumbai, is absconding.
Arrest during vehicle check at Mallepally
Police said the arrests were made during a vehicle check at Mallepally X Road at about 20.30 IST on March 12, 2026. The suspects were found moving suspiciously and were stopped for inspection.
During a search, officers recovered 220 grams of gold biscuits and 3,100 grams of silver biscuits from a bag carried by the suspects. Police also seized burglary tools, including a screwdriver and a hammer, along with two mobile phones.
The total value of the seized property was estimated at ₹33,71,475.55.
Gang involved in burglaries across several states
During questioning, Saleem Qureshi allegedly confessed to leading a burglary gang operating across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Police said the gang carried out reconnaissance during the day using a car and targeted locked houses at night.
Investigators said the stolen ornaments were melted into gold biscuits at Qureshi’s residence and later sold in jewellery markets in Hyderabad and Nasik. The proceeds were allegedly distributed among gang members after deducting commission.
The accused are linked to eight burglary cases registered in different police stations, including Habeeb Nagar in Hyderabad, Misrod in Bhopal, Dargamitta in Nellore, Alipiri in Tirupati, Kakinada II Town, Mulund and Navghar in Maharashtra.
Long criminal history claimed by main accused
Police said Qureshi claimed his criminal activities began in Mumbai. He later moved to Hyderabad in 2001. He allegedly admitted involvement in more than 200 house burglaries over the years.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of inspectors R. Venkatesh of Golconda Task Force and T. Purushotham Rao, station house officer of Habeeb Nagar police station, along with SI G. Vijayanand and other staff.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Task Force) Ande Srinivasa Rao confirmed the arrests.
