How a 57-year-old Andhra man sneaked into luxury hotels and picked foreign pockets

Police in Bengaluru arrested Chintakindi Srinivasulu, 57, on Wednesday for stealing money from guests at luxury hotels. He was picked up weeks after he managed to pass himself off as a guest at the Shangri-La Hotel and made off with cash.

How the theft came to light

Between 21 and 28 June, the APAC Group held its annual meeting at the Shangri-La Hotel’s first floor. Delegates from different countries attended, including Roger Nienpo Sheng. On 23 June, Sheng opened his bag and noticed that $300 and 3,000 Taiwanese dollars had vanished.

He went straight to the police. A complaint was filed at High Grounds police station. According to the police, “The complaint pointed us straight to Srinivasulu.” Officers launched a manhunt soon after.

Tracked down in Bengaluru

It did not take long for police to piece things together. Weeks later, they tracked Srinivasulu down in Bengaluru and arrested him. Investigators soon linked him to two other thefts at high-end hotels.

During questioning, police said, “Srinivasulu confessed to posing as a delegate at several five-star hotels.” He admitted that he would blend in, move about freely and look for moments to slip money from unsuspecting visitors’ bags.

When they searched him, police seized cash worth around Rs 41,079. Among the mix were $270, 2,900 Taiwanese dollars, 200 Australian dollars and 10,000 Laotian Kip. Each bit of currency gave a glimpse of how he targeted foreign guests too.

Police believe Srinivasulu picked busy events where people from different countries gathered. Such gatherings made it easier for him to go unnoticed. He would dress well, act like a delegate and quietly steal from people who thought he was just another guest.

Officers are now looking into whether he carried out similar thefts elsewhere. For now, the man who turned top hotels into his hunting ground is in police custody. Investigations are still on to find out just how far his network went.