Prakasam district police have successfully arrested three people involved in a brutal robbery targeting an 82-year-old woman and recovered gold ornaments worth Rs6.40 lakh within 48 hours of the crime.
According to Markapur Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) U Nagaraju, the incident took place on the night of May 13 in Venkateswara Nagar. The victim, Bandi Ravanamma, who lives alone, was attacked while she was asleep after two intruders forcibly entered her house.
The assailants reportedly covered her mouth, assaulted her by punching her chest and face, and threatened to kill her if she raised an alarm. They escaped with a gold chain and four gold bangles. The elderly woman was later admitted to Kandula Obul Reddy Hospital in Markapur town, where doctors informed the police about the attack.
Prakasam Superintendent of Police AR Damodar personally supervised the investigation, with DSP U Nagaraju heading the probe. Using CCTV footage analysis and technical intelligence, police traced the suspects and arrested them near the NH-565 highway on May 16.
The arrested accused were identified as Kurukondula Mallikarjuna (27), his wife Vasundara (22), and Dandeboyina Kasinath (49). All three are relatives and residents of the same neighbourhood as the victim.
During interrogation, the accused confessed that financial distress drove them to plan the robbery after observing the elderly woman regularly wearing gold ornaments. They also admitted to sprinkling chilli powder around her bed to mislead police sniffer dogs.
SP AR Damodar appreciated the swift and coordinated efforts of the investigation team, including DSP U Nagaraju, CI P Subbarao, and other officers. He stated that the quick resolution of the case sends a strong message that crimes against senior citizens will not be tolerated in the district.
