Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, October 12, 2026: Demonstrating effective investigation and prompt police action, Srikakulam Rural Police arrested a woman accused of snatching a gold chain from a 76-year-old woman and recovered the stolen jewellery weighing 38.9 grams, valued at approximately ₹5.50 lakh.
Srikakulam Sub-Division DSP Ch. Dhanunjaya Naidu briefed the details of the case, highlighting the swift action taken by the police to trace the accused and recover the stolen property.
Elderly Woman Targeted
The victim, Yadla Varalakshmi, aged 76, resides alone at Govinda Nagar Colony in Srikakulam. According to the complaint, on October 8, 2026, the accused, Rautu Neeraja alias Sushma, approached the elderly woman under the pretext of discussing the rental of a vacant portion on the upper floor of her house.
During the interaction, the accused allegedly seized an opportunity to forcibly snatch the gold chain from the elderly woman’s neck and flee the scene.
Following a complaint lodged by the victim’s son, Yadla Srirama Chandramurthy, Srikakulam Rural Police registered a case under Crime No. 203/2026 and launched an investigation to identify and apprehend the accused.
Accused Arrested, Stolen Gold Recovered
Acting on the directions of senior police officials, Srikakulam Rural Police Sub-Inspector K.V. Suresh and his team conducted an investigation and apprehended the accused at Indira Nagar, Srikakulam, at approximately 9:30 a.m. on October 12, 2026.
During the operation, the police recovered the stolen gold chain weighing 38.9 grams, with an estimated value of ₹5.50 lakh, from the accused’s possession. Following her arrest, she was produced before the court for remand.
The accused has been identified as Rautu Neeraja, alias Sushma, aged 25, wife of Rautu Balaram, and a resident of Indira Nagar, Srikakulam. She is a native of Kancharam village in Rajam Mandal, Vizianagaram district.
District SP Appreciates Police Team
District Superintendent of Police K.V. Maheswara Reddy, IPS, specially commended Srikakulam Rural SI K.V. Suresh and his team for their efforts in solving the case, arresting the accused, and recovering the stolen property.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of Srikakulam Rural Circle Inspector K. Paidupu Naidu and the guidance of Srikakulam Sub-Division DSP Ch. Dhanunjaya Naidu.
The successful recovery highlights the importance of prompt complaint registration, systematic investigation, and coordinated police action in protecting vulnerable citizens, particularly senior citizens living alone.
Srikakulam Police continue to emphasise public safety and encourage citizens to report crimes promptly so that appropriate legal action can be initiated.
