Despite, extensive coverage given by the media, ‘rice pulling’ gang continue to cheat people unhindered.
The City Task Force (CTF) on Friday arrested three members of a six-member gang for allegedly cheating a person by selling him a copper coin, stating it to be an antique coin with supernatural powers.
The gang members had initially contacted one Janga Raja Reddy, a realtor from Bikkavolu, East Godavari district, and got close to him on the pretext of doing some real estate business.
“They then convinced the victim that they have a Sita-Rama Pattabhishekam coin, which dates back to the Ramayan period and the coin has supernatural powers. They collected Rs. 20 lakh from him, promising to give the coin,” said DCP C.M. Trivikram Varma.
After waiting in vain for some days, Mr. Janga Raja Reddy lodged a complaint with the police. The CTF team, led by I. Chittiababu and SI Hari, laid a trap and arrested three members of the gang near LIC building.
The arrested were identified as Mamidi Arjuna Rao of Ravikamatam mandal, Kurmashula Ramesh of Anandapuram and Aadi Syam Kumar of Butchayyapeta.
The fourth accused Muvvala Pothuraju and two others are absconding.