Man, who was involved in 73 crimes, held for Rs 1 lakh ATM fraud
Hyderabad: The Sultan Bazar Police arrested a 31-year-old man, Intipalli Rama Rao, for allegedly duping people attempting to deposit money at ATMs. Rao, an Andhra Pradesh native residing in a dormitory at Jubilee Bus Station, reportedly targeted individuals by approaching them politely while they attempted to deposit cash. He would promise to transfer the amount via NEFT and show a fake transaction message before fleeing the scene.
The case came to light after a complaint by Sunitha, a Secunderabad resident, on April 22. She had gone to an SBI ATM to deposit Rs 1 lakh, but a technical error prevented the deposit. Rao approached her, offering to transfer the money through his NEFT account. After showing a fake confirmation message, he asked her to wait at his shop for the transfer. Despite his assurances, Sunitha did not receive the amount and reported the matter to the Sultan Bazar Police.
Police investigation revealed that Rao was a habitual offender. CCTV footage from nearby ATMs helped police locate and arrest him at the Indian Bank ATM near Taj Mahal Hotel in Narayanguda. During questioning, Rao confessed to involvement in 73 similar cases between 2018 and 2025.
A case was registered under sections 318(4) (cheating) and 303(2) (theft) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police warned citizens to exercise caution when approached by strangers offering NEFT or banking assistance.
