A couple from Andhra Pradesh has been apprehended by the police for allegedly stealing a chain in order to raise funds for their wedding. The two individuals were apprehended by the Vanasthalipuram police in Malkajgiri, Hyderabad, for allegedly stealing a gold chain weighing approximately 30 grams from a 65-year-old temple worker in Hasthinapuram.

The accused couple, identified as 23-year-old Annapu Reddy Durga Ramana Reddy and Tenka Varalaxmi (24), allegedly covered the elderly woman's mouth under the guise of assisting her and forcefully snatched her gold ornament.

The couple relocated to Hyderabad approximately one month ago in search of employment, according to the police. They allegedly turned to crime to secure funds for their intended marriage after reportedly failing to secure employment.

The incident took place at the Raja Rajeshwari Temple in Venkata Ramana Colony at approximately 6:04 a.m. on October 18. The accused allegedly targeted the victim, Andugula Ramulamma, while she was cleaning the temple in the absence of other devotees.

According to the police, Ramana Reddy forcibly removed the elderly woman's gold chain (a pusthelathadu) while Varalaxmi held her and covered her mouth. Following this, the pair fled on an Activa scooter.

Three days later, on Wednesday morning, the suspects were apprehended near a jewelry shop in Kamala Nagar, Vanasthalipuram, after the investigators analyzed the CCTV footage and monitored their movements across multiple locations.

The accused's two mobile phones and the stolen gold ornament were retrieved by the police.

Annapu Reddy Durga Ramana Reddy and Tenka Varalaxmi, both of whom are from Andhra Pradesh, are lovers who had been in a relationship for approximately one and a half years, according to the police. They are first-time offenders who have been residing in the Gurramguda area of the city and have no prior criminal records.

According to the police, they committed the crime as a result of financial distress in order to marry. The police are conducting additional investigations into the matter, and the accused have been remanded to judicial custody.