Fri Mar 07 13:49:57 UTC 2025: ## Notorious Hyderabad Burglar, “Shetty Saleem,” Nabbed After Three-Decade Crime Spree
**Hyderabad, March 7, 2025** – Hyderabad police have apprehended Mohammed Saleem, a 52-year-old notorious burglar known as “Shetty Saleem,” ending a three-decade crime spree. Saleem, who boasts a criminal record spanning nearly 150 cases and 22 arrests, was apprehended by the Commissioner’s Task Force and Bandlaguda Police. Authorities recovered gold and silver ornaments worth ₹12.50 lakh from his possession.
Saleem, a self-proclaimed fan of Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty, earned his alias after attempting to meet the actor in Mumbai. His criminal career began in 1991, and he perfected his skills while incarcerated, learning advanced lock-picking techniques from fellow inmates. Police describe him as a meticulous planner, often posing as a painter or vegetable vendor to scout his targets before breaking into middle-class homes in the early hours of the morning.
Despite being arrested in July 2024 and released on bail in December, Saleem quickly resumed his activities. He was wanted in connection with three recent burglaries. Police tracked him down near the Chandrayangutta Flyover, where he confessed to his crimes.
His ill-gotten gains funded trips across India, including visits to Mumbai and Ajmer, where he also engaged in other illicit activities. Interestingly, police noted that Saleem spends his days playing ludo and cricket on his smartphone. He is married with seven children. The arrest marks a significant victory for Hyderabad law enforcement in their efforts to curb persistent criminal activity.
First Piper 