Rowdy sheeter arrested in rice-pulling scam at Sri Sathya Sai district

Tirupati: Talupula police in Sri Sathya Sai district arrested local rowdy sheeter Chinthakunta Krishna Reddy, alias Dikki Babu, on Sunday in connection with a rice-pulling scam.According to Kadiri DSP Sivanarayana Swamy, Dikki Babu duped Venugopal Reddy from Kadapa by claiming to possess a "magical" brass vessel that could fetch Rs 2 crore. Believing the claim, Venugopal Reddy paid Rs 10 lakh in two instalments. When Dikki Babu further demanded Rs 10 lakh, Venugopal grew suspicious and asked for his money back. The accused handed over a brass vessel, promising to help sell it for Rs 2 crore. However, as months passed and Dikki Babu did not keep his promise, Venugopal pressured him to take back the vessel and return the money. Instead of returning the money, Dikki Babu allegedly threatened him at knifepoint and held him captive, demanding an additional Rs 10 lakh.Friends of the victim managed to free him after paying Rs 3 lakh. Venugopal then lodged a complaint at the Talupula police station, leading to the arrest of Dikki Babu.Police seized five copper vessels, three mobile phones, Rs 1 lakh cash, and an SUV from the accused.