On Friday, Anantapur police apprehended a suspect whose string of mall burglaries was allegedly inspired by the 2004 Bollywood blockbuster Dhoom. Additional Superintendent of Police (Addl. SP) Syed Mahaboob Basha disclosed that the accused, identified as Nagaraju from Bengaluru’s CSR Palya, focused exclusively on commercial complexes, steering clear of residential properties to avoid robbing ordinary families of their hard‑earned savings.

Modus Operandi Mirroring a Film

Nagaraju reportedly emulated the high‑tech, fast‑paced heists depicted in Dhoom. Using iron rods, metal cutters and other burglary tools, he would disable alarm systems during late‑night hours, breach locked entrances, and loot cash, electronics and other valuables within minutes. The police recovered ₹5.25 lakh in cash, a vehicle believed to have been used in the crimes, three interchangeable licence plates, and the aforementioned tools.

Legal Trail and Ongoing Investigation

Authorities allege that Nagaraju is wanted for 33 property offences spanning Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The breakthrough came after a June 27 burglary at a well‑known textile showroom in Anantapur’s Dress Circle locality, where forensic clues and field intelligence led investigators to the suspect. Addl. SP Basha indicated that the case is still expanding, with police probing his possible involvement in additional unsolved mall thefts and expecting further asset recovery.

Broader Implications of Film‑Inspired Crime

While Dhoom’s cinematic thrills captivate audiences, the film’s influence can bleed into real‑world crime, underscoring the need for heightened public awareness and robust security measures. Local merchants have announced upgrades to their surveillance and alarm systems to deter future “movie‑style” heists, reflecting a growing emphasis on preventive security across commercial spaces.