Kadiri Town police of Sri Sathya Sai district on Sunday (October 4, 2026) arrested a 38-year-old inter-state thief accused of allegedly targeting elderly people and stealing gold ornaments in three districts. The arrest led to the resolution of 13 cases registered at eight police stations and the recovery of 140 grams of gold worth around ₹20 lakh and a two-wheeler, the police said.

Addressing a press conference here, Superintendent of Police S. Satish Kumar said the accused identified as B. Bhargava, a native of Hindupur and currently residing in Karnataka, was arrested during vehicle checks at a checkpoint in Kadiri.

The SP said that Bhargava targeted elderly persons on roadsides and at temples. His modus operandi was to befriend victims, praise their gold rings, and ask to see them, claiming he wanted to get a similar ring made for his father. As soon as the victim handed over the ring, he allegedly fled on his scooter. In some cases, he reportedly snatched rings directly from their fingers.

The SP said the accused was also involved in snatching gold chains from devotees during the Kadiri temple festival. In another case at Nallacheruvu, he allegedly threw a bathroom cleaner liquid on an elderly woman’s face before stealing her earring.

The recovered valuables included four chains, 11 rings, and an earring. Ten cases were traced to five police stations in Sri Sathya Sai district, two to Anantapur and one to Annamayya district. The police also launched search for Bhargava’s accomplice identified as Narasimhappa of Rayadurgam.