Annamayya police arrested a man for his alleged involvement in theft at multiple locations on Tuesday. According to the police, he allegedly committed these thefts to lead a lavish lifestyle and to cover his expenses on cricket betting.

Speaking to the media here on Tuesday, Superintendent of Police (SP) Dheeraj Kunubilli said the accused, Shaik Khajapeer (30), hails from Dharmavaram in Sri Sathya Sai district. A painter by profession, he reportedly started committing thefts as his earnings were insufficient to support his family and his addiction to cricket betting, the SP added.

Khajapeer was caught during a vehicle check at Vandadi crossroads in Chinnamandem mandal on Tuesday and during questioninge confessed to have committed several thefts.

Police seized 42 grams of gold jewellery worth ₹6 lakhs, 250 grams of silver articles worth ₹50,000, and a splendor plus two-wheeler, which were stolen under the jurisdictions of Chinnamandem, Kalakada, and Gurramkonda police stations.

The accused was earlier involved in 20 cases in Anantapur district, 10 each in Annamayya district and Karnataka respectively. He is also the prime accused in seven recently registered cases within Annamayya district.