Police in Visakhapatnam have arrested a 27-year-old software engineer accused of leading a double life and carrying out a series of nighttime house break-ins across Andhra Pradesh.
The accused, Achhi Mahesh Reddy, also known as Sunny, was taken into custody on Sunday following months of investigation prompted by repeated theft complaints. Originally from Kakinada, he was residing in the Madhavadhara area of the city.
Authorities were surprised to discover that the postgraduate, who had previously worked for a well-known IT firm in Hyderabad, was allegedly responsible for multiple burglaries. Investigators believe he resorted to crime to support an expensive lifestyle that included owning a luxury BMW and making several foreign trips.
Police linked him to 26 house break-ins reported from areas such as Gajuwaka, Arilova, Malkapuram, Pendurthi and Duvvada. The thefts involved jewellery and cash valued at around ₹24.66 lakh, including over 1,084 grams of gold, more than 6.3 kg of silver and ₹40,500 in cash.
During the arrest, officers recovered approximately 699 grams of gold ornaments, 3.8 kg of silver items, the BMW allegedly purchased with stolen funds, a scooter, and tools believed to have been used in the burglaries. The recovered property is estimated to be worth more than ₹15.63 lakh.
Investigations revealed that his alleged involvement in theft dates back to his teenage years. He was first caught for house break-ins at age 15 and sent to a juvenile facility. After his release, he is suspected to have continued committing burglaries across several towns and later served time in Rajahmundry Central Jail. Police records suggest links to more than 60 burglary cases statewide.
Officers said he typically used disguises such as masks, caps and gloves and relied on tools like hammers, screwdrivers and drilling machines to gain entry into homes. Cases have been registered, and further legal proceedings are being prepared as the investigation continues.
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Engineer held for 26 break-ins; police recover gold, silver, BMW

Techie Turned Burglar Arrested in Vizag Theft Case

Engineer held for 26 break-ins; police recover gold, silver, BMW

February 9, 2026 | 16:57 IST