ANDHRA PRADESH: Chilakaluripet Crash: More Vehicles Seized from Venkatanaidu Gang
A tragic road crash on December 4 near Ganapavaram in the Palnadu district claimed the lives of five engineering students.
Their car rammed into a stationary container lorry on the Chilakaluripet bypass.
CCTV evidence pointed to deliberate obstruction, sparking a deeper probe into the incident.
How the Accident Unfolded
Investigators found that M. Venkata Naidu and his associates stopped the lorry abruptly. They posed as brake inspectors in an attempt to extort money from the driver.
This sudden halt forced the students’ speeding vehicle to crash underneath the lorry, leading to instant fatalities for most.
Gang’s Criminal Network Exposed
Venkata Naidu, son of ASI M. Srinivasa Rao stationed at the Narasaraopet DSP office, led a group involved in widespread car thefts. Police have identified 22 stolen vehicles linked to them.
Narasaraopet authorities recently seized eight cars, adding to 10 recovered earlier. Efforts continue to locate the rest.
Father’s Alleged Protection
Srinivasa Rao, serving in the area for 15 years, faces accusations of shielding his son’s activities. These include selling financed cars with fake plates and past robberies.
Palnadu SP suspended the ASI after evidence suggested he supported or overlooked the crimes.
Prior Incidents Surface
A 2023 case involved Venkata Naidu luring a victim with a note exchange promise, then stealing Rs 50 lakh and a car near Kotappakonda. Probes into the father’s role there remain pending.
Other allegations tie the gang to marijuana trade and vehicle sales at discounted rates.
Ongoing Probe Questions
- Does this reveal gaps in police oversight of internal families?
- Will full recovery of vehicles lead to more arrests?
- How can highways prevent fake inspector scams?