The Guntur district police have arrested six persons allegedly involved in a series of motor pump set thefts reported across Ponnur Rural, Ponnur Town, Chebrolu, Tenali Rural and Tsundur police station limits. They recovered 85 stolen pump sets worth ₹15.33 lakh and 18 kg of copper wire valued at ₹20,000. The police have also named the individual who allegedly purchased the stolen items as an accused in the case.

Addressing a press conference at the Guntur district police office on Tuesday, Superintendent of Police (SP) Vakul Jindal said the accused had reportedly stolen 91 motor pump sets worth about ₹15.47 lakh from roadsides and agricultural fields between June 3 and July 19, causing significant losses to farmers. Based on complaints, Ponnur Rural police registered cases under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launched an investigation.

The breakthrough came after investigators analysed footage from CCTV cameras, ANPR Matrix cameras, the CCTV360 application, CCTNS, call detail records and tower location data. Police tracked a rented Hyundai Creta car allegedly used in the offences and identified the suspects. They were arrested near Brahmanakoduru village on July 27.

Police seized 85 pump sets, 18 kg of copper wire, two cars, and an autorickshaw allegedly used in the crimes. The accused are allegedly linked to 13 theft cases registered in different police stations across the district.

The investigation was carried out under the supervision of Tenali SDPO B. Janardhan Rao and Ponnur Rural Circle Inspector P. Krishnaiah. The SP lauded Sub-Inspector V. Srihari and the investigating and presented them appreciation certificates for cracking the case within a short period.

Published - July 28, 2026 11:02 pm IST