19 August,2011 07:12 AM IST | | Imran Gowhar
Venkataramanappa, alias Police Venkataramana was arrested while trying to dispose off stolen valuables, which he had tricked several persons into parting with
The Central Crime Branch sleuths nabbed a 50-year-old habitual offender, who used to rob the publicu00a0-- senior citizens in particularu00a0-- of their gold valuables under the pretext of being a police officer. The accused Venkataramanappa, alias police Venkataramana, was caught while trying to sell the loot at a jewel shop in the city.
A detailed questioning led him to confess to his crime, following which the police recovered gold valuables worth Rs 14 lakh from him. Further investigations revealed that he had committed similar crimes in the city and also across the state.
"Venkataramana was earlier arrested and even sentenced to six years imprisonment for similar offences. However, he was released on bail and moved from one city to another in search of victims," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (crime) Krishnama Raju.
Joint Commissioner of Police Alok Kumar has alerted the public to be wary of such tricksters. "If anyone approaches the public posing as police officers, people have the right to demand for his identification," said Kumar.
