Accused Evaded Police for Years Using Disguises and False Identities

In a major breakthrough, police have arrested a notorious criminal accused of multiple murders and robberies across South India. The suspect, identified as Vishwanath, was captured in Tirupati after reportedly living under a false identity for years.

The arrest, carried out on April 13, also led to the detention of his alleged accomplice, Rajamma. Authorities believe this development could help unravel several unsolved criminal cases spanning multiple states.

Wanted Across States: A Long Trail of Crimes

According to investigators, Vishwanath had been on the radar of police in Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh for his involvement in a series of murders and thefts. He had been absconding for years, constantly changing identities to evade capture.

Officials revealed that he had previously been convicted in a murder case in Kerala in 2018 but later escaped, continuing his criminal activities across different regions.

Living Undetected in Tirupati Since 2024

Investigations suggest that the accused had been residing in Tirupati since 2024 under a fake name. He blended seamlessly into the local community, avoiding suspicion while continuing his activities.

The breakthrough came during the investigation of a murder and robbery case in the Ramachandrapuram area. The killing of a woman named Munishwari led police to uncover a pattern that eventually exposed the suspect’s identity and operations.

‘Trust and Strike’ Modus Operandi Revealed

Police have identified a chilling pattern in the accused’s crimes. Vishwanath allegedly targeted women living alone. His method involved:

• Befriending victims and gaining their trust
• Observing their routines and vulnerabilities
• Attacking when the opportunity arose
• Stealing gold jewelry and valuables before fleeing

Authorities have described this approach as a calculated “trust and strike” strategy, making his crimes particularly disturbing.

Used Auto-Rickshaw to Avoid Suspicion

Investigators also found that the accused frequently used auto-rickshaws to carry out and escape from crime scenes. This allowed him to move quickly between locations without raising suspicion.

Through a combination of CCTV footage, technical surveillance, and intelligence inputs, police were finally able to track him down and execute the arrest.

Gold Worth ₹20 Lakh Recovered

Following his arrest, officials recovered gold ornaments worth approximately ₹20 lakh from his possession. Police believe these items are linked to multiple robbery cases and could help connect him to other crimes.

Linked to Over 20 Serious Cases

Authorities estimate that Vishwanath may be involved in at least 21 serious criminal cases, including murder and robbery. With his arrest, investigators expect to reopen several cold cases and bring long-awaited justice to victims’ families.

Final Takeaway

The arrest of this alleged serial offender marks a significant achievement for law enforcement agencies across South India. It highlights the importance of coordinated policing and advanced surveillance in tracking down criminals who rely on deception and mobility to evade justice.

As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge, potentially shedding light on a wider network of crimes and offering closure in cases that remained unsolved for years.