A Shocking Scene in Hyderabad
On a regular evening in Hyderabad, at the famous Prism Pub in Gachibowli, an unexpected event stunned the crowd. As police entered the premises, a man suddenly bolted, causing a commotion. Surrounded by four women, he attempted to escape but soon pulled out a gun and fired two rounds. Imagine the chaos—right in the heart of the city at peak hours. This wasn’t a scene from a movie but a real-life incident involving a notorious criminal, Battula Prabhakar.
Who Is Battula Prabhakar?
For over three years, Prabhakar had been on the run, wanted in multiple states across South India, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. With a staggering 80 cases registered against him, he had eluded capture despite intensive surveillance. His goal? To target 100 women—something he did not just keep in his mind but inscribed on his body with tattoos. His arm bore the phrase “100 with Love” alongside the number “3,” which the police suspected represented his ambition to steal ₹3 crores at once. Whether it was ₹3 crores, ₹33 crores, or even more remains a mystery.
A Criminal Inspired by Cinema or the Other Way Around?
Many argue that criminals take inspiration from movies, but in Prabhakar’s case, the reverse might be true. His life resembled a well-scripted crime thriller, complete with daring escapes and elaborate heists. One of the most remarkable incidents in his criminal journey took place in 2022 when he escaped from police custody while being transported from Anakapalle Court to Visakhapatnam Central Jail. His ability to slip away undetected and continue his crimes raised serious concerns about law enforcement’s ability to track him.
A Master of Deception and Crime
Prabhakar wasn’t just an ordinary thief—he was a calculated mastermind. Using multiple identities such as Bittu, Rahul Reddy, Raju, and Sharan, he created confusion wherever he operated. Originally from Chittoor district, he had dropped out of school after the eighth grade but possessed a sharp intellect. His street-smart ways and ambition to climb the social ladder through illegal means led him into a life of crime from an early age.
By 2013, his criminal record had already begun, and over the years, he expanded his operations across five states. His modus operandi was meticulous—he conducted detailed reconnaissance before every robbery, studying his targets for weeks or even months. Whether it was a residence, an educational institution, or a financial hub, he ensured there were no loose ends.
No Digital Footprints: A Ghost in the System
Unlike typical criminals who often get caught due to social media activity or mobile phone tracking, Prabhakar was exceptionally careful. He avoided leaving behind any digital traces. He used gloves and masks to prevent fingerprint detection and ensured that CCTV cameras never captured his face clearly. His obsession with staying undetected led him to study online tutorials on “How to Avoid Surveillance.”
Expanding His Targets to Colleges and Institutes
While his initial crimes focused on burglaries, Prabhakar eventually shifted his attention to educational institutions. He realized that private colleges received large amounts of cash in the form of donations, often without proper records or tax implications. Identifying these as high-value targets, he planned meticulously, listing out institutions and scheduling his heists around key payment periods. His boldness in executing these plans ultimately caught the attention of Hyderabad’s cybercrime police.
The Hunt for Prabhakar: How the Police Tracked Him Down
Hyderabad’s law enforcement, under the leadership of IPS officer G. Vineeth, intensified efforts to capture Prabhakar. Given his tendency to use multiple aliases and frequent different locations, the police had to adopt an unconventional strategy. They analyzed his past behavior and frequent visits, eventually zeroing in on Prism Pub, where he had been spotted multiple times enjoying himself in the company of women.
The Final Capture: A Tense Confrontation
On February 1st, 2024, around 8:00 PM, a team of officers, including Head Constable Venkataramireddy, arrived at the pub to confirm his presence. Initially unsure if they had the right man, they watched closely. However, as soon as the officers approached, Prabhakar panicked. He reached for a loaded gun and fired two shots—one hitting Venkataramireddy’s leg and another striking a bouncer. Chaos erupted as he attempted to flee, but the officers quickly subdued him.
Upon searching him, the police recovered two guns and 23 bullets. Later, a third firearm was discovered at his residence, along with detailed plans for future heists.
The Aftermath: Justice at Last
During a press conference, IPS officer Vineeth praised his team’s bravery, stating that Prabhakar had intended to kill the officers to escape. However, their quick reflexes ensured his arrest without further casualties. After 12 years of a relentless crime spree, his reign of terror finally came to an end.
Lessons from the Case: Crime Never Pays
Prabhakar’s story serves as a stark reminder that no matter how cunning a criminal may be, law enforcement will eventually catch up. His obsession with wealth and status led him to live a life of deception and crime, but in the end, it all came crashing down. His arrest not only brought relief to his countless victims but also reinforced the idea that crime never truly pays.
This case, filled with high-stakes drama, deception, and eventual justice, is one for the history books—a real-life thriller that proved truth is sometimes stranger than fiction.