Burglar booked in 209 cases, held

HYDERABAD: Police arrested two burglars, including notorious thief Mantri Shankar who was convicted in 209 burglary cases so far, and seized 40 tolas of gold worth Rs 12 lakh from their possession on Monday.
The Mahankali police arrested Mantri Shankar, 53, from Chilakalguda, and his father-in-law Sanjay Patil, 66, from Latur district in Maharashtra.
Acting on a tip-off, a special team of the Mahankali police headed by sub-inspector (SI) MSV Kishore arrested Shankar and Patil while they were trying to dispose of stolen booty at Monda Market on Monday.
Police seized 40 tola gold from their possession. On interrogation, Shankar confessed to have committed 10 burglaries in the past few months at Bowenpally, Nacharam, Habsiguda and Tarnaka areas.
According to Mahankali police, Shankar was a habitual burglar and since 1980s he had committed over 250 burglaries in the city. So far, he was remanded in judicial custody 22 times and was convicted in 209 cases. Shankar has married thrice and currently he is staying with his third wife, who is the daughter of Patil. As soon as he gets out of the prison, Shankar starts committing burglaries. He is a ‘professional’ and by just using a crowbar and screw drivers, he can break any lock including centre locks.
On getting arrested, Shankar confesses about majority of the offences he had committed . “He just hides enough booty to take care of his legal and family expenses,” an official said.
The duo was produced in court and remanded in judicial custody.