Interstate Laptop Thief Targeting Prestigious Institutions Arrested in Vijayawada
In a significant breakthrough, the Mangalagiri Rural Police in Vijayawada has apprehended an interstate accused involved in a sophisticated series of laptop thefts. The criminal specifically targeted boys' hostels at some of the nation's most reputed educational institutions, including universities, Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and medical colleges.
Massive Recovery and Widespread Crimes
During the arrest, police successfully recovered 15 laptops with an estimated total value of approximately ₹12 lakh. North DSP Murali Krishna provided details at a media conference, revealing that preliminary investigations indicate the accused's involvement in as many as 61 laptop theft cases. These crimes are spread across nearly 11 states, highlighting the extensive and interstate nature of the operation.
Identity and Modus Operandi of the Accused
The arrested individual has been identified as Pathamil Selvan (29), son of Kannan, hailing from Pulivalam village in the Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu. Police disclosed that Selvan, who studied law, utilized his legal knowledge and meticulous planning skills to execute thefts with precision. His method involved:
- First identifying a target institution.
- Booking a cab through services like Uber or Ola to reach the campus.
- Posing as a candidate seeking admission to postgraduate courses to gain entry.
- Slipping into boys' hostels while enquiring about admissions.
- Stealing unattended laptops from students' rooms.
Case Unfolding and Key Incidents
The case came to light on December 31, 2025, when the accused allegedly stole three laptops from the boys' hostel of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham at Kuragallu village and two more from SRM University on the same day. Following complaints from college authorities, including Senior Warden Mohan Krishnan, police examined CCTV footage and initiated tracking of the suspect.
Further investigation revealed that Selvan later committed similar thefts in cities like Chennai and Goa. Notably, on January 12, 2026, he allegedly stole nine laptops and a trolley suitcase from the boys' hostel of NIT Goa. He arrived in Vijayawada on February 2, 2025, and stored the stolen laptops in the cloakroom at the bus stand while planning further thefts at VIT and KLU colleges.
Arrest and Confession
Acting on technical analysis, CCTV footage, and call taxi records, the Mangalagiri Rural Police arrested Selvan near Don Bosco School at Errabalem at around 10:30 am. All 15 laptops, including those stolen from institutions in Andhra Pradesh, Goa, and Madhya Pradesh, were recovered. Police stated that the accused confessed to his crimes, admitting that laptop theft had become an addiction. He sold the stolen devices in major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai.
This arrest marks a crucial step in curbing such targeted crimes against educational institutions and underscores the importance of vigilance and coordinated police efforts across state borders.
