A 30-year-old from Dundigal was caught stealing auto rickshaws in Medchal, Telangana. Police recall a similar theft in Malakpet earlier this year involving a Rapido driver.

Hyderabad: Police in Telangana’s Medchal district arrested a man accused of repeatedly stealing auto rickshaws during nighttime rounds. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Korpathi Sriramulu of Dundigal, allegedly targeted parked autos in residential colonies and later sold them for quick cash.

This is not the first such case in the city. In March, Malakpet police booked 23-year-old Haneef Qureshi, a Rapido driver from Saidabad, for stealing an auto from Akbarbagh. Qureshi planned to use the vehicle for commercial rides but was caught near Azampura X Roads during a routine vehicle check. On interrogation, he failed to produce ownership documents and later admitted to the theft. The stolen auto was seized, and he was taken into custody.

Local Impact & Context:
With auto rickshaws serving as a vital mode of transport for Hyderabad’s working-class population, thefts like these directly affect livelihoods. Transport unions stress the need for secure parking facilities and regular neighborhood patrolling to deter such crimes. For auto owners, police advise installing steering locks or GPS trackers as practical measures against theft.