Going To The Bank? Beware Of This Couple Who Targeted Elderly Customers, Stole Cash In Minutes
Going To The Bank? Beware Of This Couple Who Targeted Elderly Customers, Stole Cash In Minutes Published By, Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 15:54 IST
Going To The Bank? Beware Of This Couple Who Targeted Elderly Customers, Stole Cash In Minutes Published By, Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 15:54 IST According to a report, the couple allegedly befriended senior citizens, gained their trust and made away with their cash within minutes Rapid Read The accused couple would keep watch outside banks, identify elderly customers who were alone, strike up a conversation and earn their confidence before stealing their money. If you are heading to a bank, especially with elderly family members, this case serves as a reminder to stay alert. Police in Telangana’s Narayanpet have arrested a husband-wife duo accused of targeting elderly people outside banks and stealing lakhs of rupees through deception. According to a report, the couple allegedly befriended senior citizens, gained their trust and made away with their cash within minutes. The accused have been identified as Chirala Eshwarayya alias Shiva and his wife Chirala Radha alias Lakshmi, residents of Vemula village in Mahabubnagar district’s Moosapet mandal.
Police said the couple had developed a lavish lifestyle and allegedly turned to crime to fund it. They would reportedly keep watch outside banks, identify elderly customers who were alone, strike up a conversation and earn their confidence before stealing the cash they had just withdrawn. Investigators believe the duo repeatedly carried out similar thefts across different locations. After spending the stolen money, they allegedly planned their next target. Caught During Vehicle Checks The couple’s activities came to an end during a routine vehicle inspection at Chinnajatram crossroads on Sunday. Police, led by Narayanpet Sub-Inspector Satish Reddy, noticed Eshwarayya attempting to flee after spotting the checking team. His suspicious behaviour prompted officers to chase and apprehend him. During questioning, the accused allegedly confessed to committing thefts in Narayanpet town, Narayanpet Rural and Dhanwada areas. Cash, Smart TV And Refrigerator Seized Police recovered Rs 35,800 in cash, a motorcycle, a mobile phone, a mask and a blade that were allegedly used during the crimes. Officials also seized a smart TV and a refrigerator, which were allegedly purchased using the stolen money.
Police said Eshwarayya is a repeat offender with around 15 criminal cases registered against him across Narayanpet, Dhanwada, Wanaparthy, Nagarkurnool and Mahabubnagar districts. He had also been detained twice under the Preventive Detention (PD) Act in Wanaparthy district in the past. Following the arrests, Circle Inspector Shivashankar commended SI Satish Reddy, constables Lingamurthy and Suresh, along with the IT Cell team, for cracking the case. Police have urged elderly people and those visiting banks alone to remain cautious and avoid trusting strangers who approach them outside bank premises. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered How can elderly bank customers protect themselves from such scams? Elderly bank customers should remain cautious and avoid trusting strangers who approach them outside bank premises. Police in Telangana’s Narayanpet have arrested a husband-wife duo accused of targeting elderly people outside banks and stealing cash through deception. What are the common tactics used by criminals targeting bank customers?
The BriefWire