Police uncover links between cattle theft gang and mobile phone racket, arrest nine suspects

A gang allegedly involved in 13 cattle thefts across Telangana and another group targeting mobile phone shops were found to have overlapping members, with stolen phones eventually being routed through an alleged disposal network extending from Mumbai to Bangladesh.

Nine persons connected to the offences were apprehended in a joint operation by the Commissioner’s Task Force, Jubilee Hills Zone, and Khammam police. Three others, including a Bangladesh national, are absconding.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar said that they have linked the accused to 17 cases and seized 15 mobile phones, three cars, ₹22 lakh in cash and a number plate.

The cattle-theft group allegedly operated across Nagarkurnool, Mahbubnagar and Nalgonda districts, including the Future City area. Md. Tabrez, 40, and Mohd. Rafeeq, 54, were allegedly involved in all 13 cases, while Mohammed Zubair Akthar, 30, and Mohammed Naveed, 24, participated in some of them.