Hyderabad: A dramatic police operation unfolded at Prism Pub in the Financial District, Gachibowli, on Saturday night when a notorious criminal, Battula Prabhakar, opened fire on the police in an attempt to evade arrest. Prabhakar, who is wanted in 70-80 burglary and robbery cases across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, was tracked down by the Madhapur Central Crime Station (CCS) team.
According to DCP Vineet of Cyberabad Police, the 26-year-old criminal has a long history of offenses, including 16 cases under Cyberabad, Rachakonda, and Hyderabad police limits. His arrest marks the end of a nearly two-year-long manhunt, which began after his daring escape from police custody in Visakhapatnam in March 2022.
The Pub Encounter
Police received a tip-off that Prabhakar was at Prism Pub. The CCS team reached the location around 7:30 PM and managed to nab him. However, as the officers were attempting to take him into custody, Prabhakar pulled out a country-made pistol and opened fire, injuring Head Constable Venkat Reddy. The bullet struck Reddy’s left foot, but despite the attack, the police acted swiftly and overpowered Prabhakar before he could fire again.
Arms and Criminal Past
During the arrest, police seized two country-made weapons and 23 rounds of bullets, out of which two rounds were fired at the officers. Prabhakar, originally from Chittoor district, is no ordinary criminal. He has been linked to multiple burglaries and robberies, including a recent case in Moinabad, where his fingerprints provided a major breakthrough in tracking him down.
Prabhakar first made headlines in 2020 when he was arrested in Vizag. However, in March 2022, while being transported from Anakapalle Court to Vizag Central Jail, he made a daring escape. As his handcuffs were briefly removed for official procedures, he bolted, vanishing into the streets near a social welfare hostel. Despite police efforts, he remained underground, continuing his criminal activities.
Police Commended for Swift Action
The Cyberabad Police have been praised for their quick and brave response in tackling Prabhakar despite facing gunfire. The arrest puts an end to his crime spree and provides relief to law enforcement agencies across the two states.
A case has been registered, and Prabhakar is now in custody. Further investigations are underway to determine his involvement in additional crimes.
