Cyberabad police arrested a seven-member gang involved in a dacoity at Shankarpally and recovered Rs 17.5 lakh in cash. The accused are Madhu Kasula (27), Thelapuram Vijay Kumar (35), Mohd Azhar (44), Salin Harshavardhan (29), Shameem Mulla (26), Bandra Anudeep (25), and Cherukula Deepak (25).

On Friday around 11:30 am, Sai Baba collected Rs 40 lakh in cash from Vikarabad. While returning, their vehicle was rammed by another car. Three men assaulted Sai Baba and stole the cash. According to Cyberabad Police Commissioner Avinash Mohanty, special teams arrested all seven accused within 24 hours.

Madhu, a cab driver frequently hired by Sai Baba, was the prime conspirator. Knowing Sai Baba’s schedule, he planned the robbery with friends Vijay, Azhar, and Harsha. Harsha used a car belonging to his friend Anudeep and enlisted Deepak and Shameem Mulla for the execution.

As Sai Baba’s vehicle neared Hussainpur village, Madhu signaled the gang. Harsha, Deepak, and Shameem stopped the car and looted it, while Madhu, who was accompanying Sai Baba, did not intervene. The trio fled but their vehicle overturned en route to Hyderabad. Azhar and Vijay, following in another car, rescued them.

With help from Sangareddy and Shadnagar police, all seven were arrested. Efforts are on to trace the remaining amount.