ANAKAPALLITwo persons were arrested on Monday in connection with a theft at Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple at Upamaka in Nakkapalli mandal, the Anakapalli Police said, adding that it has recovered stolen cash, gold, and silver ornaments worth approximately ₹17.68 lakh.The accused, identified as Kasireddy Srihari, 22, of Revalla Kothuru and Gantyada Chinna, 23, of Rebaka village, are working as welding mechanics.According to the police, the break-in occurred during the early hours of June 3 around 1 a.m. The masked duo initially climbed the hill to target the hilltop shrine. When that attempt failed, they descended to the main temple complex below. Using industrial cutters, they broke open the main counting chest (hundi) in front of the sanctum sanctorum and another one located near the Andalamma temple, making off with cash and offerings.Following a complaint filed by the temple inspector, the Nakkapalli police registered a case under sections 305(a) (theft in a dwelling house)and 331(4) (house-breaking by night) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).Fugitive trackingAnakapalli District Superintendent of Police Tuhin Sinha formed special investigation teams supervised by Narsipatnam Sub-Divisional Police Officer Pothireddy Srinivasa Rao. The teams analysed CCTV footage, technical data, and ground intelligence to track down the suspects. Acting on a tip-off, the police intercepted and detained the duo at the Uddandapuram bus stop, where they confessed to the crime.The police achieved a complete recovery of the stolen wealth, which includes ₹2,38,078 in cash, 56 grams of gold ornaments valued at ₹8,28,800, and 2.6 kilograms of silver articles worth ₹7,02,000. Alongside the stolen booty, the police seized a knife, pincers, a cutter, hand gloves, and the clothing worn by the suspects during the crime.Mr. Sinha commended the investigation teams for their swift action and announced cash rewards and commendation certificates for the officers involved.Increased night patrolIn light of the incident, the SP issued a directive to increase night patrolling around all major religious institutions across the district.He advised temple managements and Endowments Department officials to collaborate on installing high-resolution CCTV cameras, deploying night watchmen, and securing temple hundis inside iron grills to prevent future break-ins. Published - June 08, 2026 07:40 pm IST