Online videos can teach people everything, from fixing household appliances to learning new skills. But in Hyderabad, police say a 25-year-old woman turned to the internet to learn something far more troubling.
Identified as Paga Jaya, she was arrested after investigators linked her to a series of burglaries. A disguise, locked homes and CCTV footage all feature in the case, raising questions about how she carried out the thefts and how investigators eventually traced her.
What Happened?
One of the cases involved the home of 55-year-old Gangam Bhaskar Reddy in New Bharat Nagar Colony, within the Uppal police station limits.
On 26 October, Reddy and his family locked their house and left for Sri Mallanna Swamy Temple in Komuravelli.
According to India Today, the accused allegedly took advantage of their absence, broke the door lock and entered the house. She reportedly forced open cupboards in the master bedroom and children's bedroom before taking gold ornaments, silver articles and cash.
The theft came to light after the family returned and discovered what had happened. A complaint was subsequently lodged with the Uppal police.
Investigators examined CCTV footage from the locality as part of their inquiry. The footage reportedly showed a woman dressed in a black burqa, wearing gloves and carrying a light blue backpack.
In separate footage, she was seen attempting to open the entrance of a locked house before leaving when she could not get inside.
Who Is Paga Jaya?
According to India Today, Jaya is originally from Palvancha in Telangana's Bhadradri Kothagudem district. She reportedly discontinued her first year of B.Tech studies at Anubose College in Kothagudem because of financial difficulties.
She moved to Hyderabad in 2023 and married Gogulothu Sivakumar in 2024.
Police allege that she learnt house-breaking techniques through online videos. Investigators believe she identified homes whose occupants were away before allegedly breaking their locks and stealing valuables.
She reportedly carried a hand-operated cutting machine in her backpack to break locks on doors and cupboards.
She allegedly wore a burqa, gloves and other clothing to make identification more difficult.
Investigators also suspect that some of the stolen jewellery was sold or pledged to meet her personal expenses.
What Did Police Recover?
Uppal police and the Central Crime Station team arrested Jaya on 31 October. She was subsequently remanded to judicial custody.
The recovered property included:
Approximately 48 tolas of gold, weighing around 560 grams.
Around 1.5 kg of silver articles.
Cash.
An iPhone 17.
The total estimated value of the recovered property was around Rs. 70 lakh.
Police suspect Jaya's involvement in five burglary cases registered under the jurisdictions of Uppal, Medipally and Jagathgirigutta police stations, as well as Bhadradri Kothagudem II Town police station.
Investigators are continuing to establish the full extent of her alleged involvement and trace the disposal of any stolen property.
The Bigger Question: When Online Tutorials Become Tools For Crime
The internet has made it easier than ever to learn practical skills. From fixing appliances to understanding complex techniques, information that once required formal training is now available through a few searches. But what happens when this access is used for the wrong reasons?
Jaya's case brings this concern into focus. Online tutorials can offer useful knowledge, but they can also be misused to learn techniques that facilitate criminal activity. The challenge lies in how easily such information can be accessed and repurposed.
While the internet cannot determine how someone will use the information they find, cases like this raise questions about the misuse of freely available tutorials and the responsibility that comes with digital access.
TL;DR | News At A Glance
Who was arrested in the Hyderabad burglary case?
Paga Jaya, a 25-year-old woman, was arrested on 31 October 2026 over her suspected involvement in five burglary cases.
How did the accused allegedly learn burglary techniques?
Police said she learnt house-breaking techniques through online videos.
How did she allegedly conceal her identity?
Investigators said she wore a burqa and gloves and carried a backpack while targeting locked homes.
What was stolen in the alleged burglaries?
The recovered property included gold ornaments, silver articles, cash and an iPhone 17.
What was the value of the recovered property?
Police estimated the total value at around ₹70 lakh.
Where did the alleged burglaries take place?
The suspected cases fall under the jurisdictions of Uppal, Medipally and Jagathgirigutta police stations, as well as Bhadradri Kothagudem II Town police station.
What action did the police take?
Uppal police and the Central Crime Station team arrested Jaya on 31 October. She was subsequently remanded to judicial custody.
