Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Two Hyderabad Children Accused of Stealing Money for Food
Two 12-year-old friends are accused of taking Rs 8,000 from an apartment in Hyderabad.
The apartment owner had left her keys near the door while visiting a temple.
Police said the children used the keys, entered the flat, took cash, and locked the door again.
The children’s parents gave a different explanation, saying the money had been found on the road.
Police then asked people about the children’s home life.
Some people said the children were often neglected and did not get enough food or clothing.
The children allegedly told police they sometimes ate at free community meals or asked neighbours for help.
Police are considering whether the parents should also face action.
Two 12-year-old friends allegedly took Rs 8,000 from a locked flat in Venkatapuram, Alwal, police said.
The incident occurred around 11 p.m. on August 17, while the flat’s owner was at a temple.
Police said the children used keys left near the door, took cash from a bedroom safe, and relocked the flat.
The children’s parents claimed the minors had found the money on a road and planned to hand it to police.
Police said neighbours and family members alleged the children were neglected, lacked food and clothing, and had fathers addicted to alcohol.
- Who
- Two 12-year-old friends, the apartment owner, their parents, and Alwal police were involved.
- What
- The children allegedly took Rs 8,000 from a locked flat; police registered a case under the Juvenile Justice Act.
- When
- Around 11 p.m. on August 17; police disclosed details on Thursday.
- Where
- A flat in Venkatapuram, Alwal, Hyderabad.
- Why
- Police said the children allegedly needed food, while their parents claimed they had found the money and intended to return it.
Parents’ Account
Police and Children’s Welfare Findings
Where the money came from
Parents’ Account
The parents claimed the children found Rs 8,000 on a road near the complainant’s house and intended to give it to police.
Police and Children’s Welfare Findings
Police said evidence showed the children entered the apartment, opened it with the nearby keys, and took cash from a bedroom safe.
Children’s home circumstances
Parents’ Account
The parents’ account, as reported, did not acknowledge the alleged neglect described by neighbours and family members.
Police and Children’s Welfare Findings
People questioned by police allegedly said the children were neglected, received little food or clothing, and had fathers addicted to alcohol; police said the children described themselves as being treated like orphans.
Responsibility for the incident
Parents’ Account
The children’s parents were served notices after a case was registered against the minors under juvenile law.
Police and Children’s Welfare Findings
Police are examining whether the parents should bear responsibility for offences allegedly committed by the children and will seek legal advice.
- Amount allegedly taken
- Rs 8,000
- Children’s ages
- 12 years old
- Incident time
- Around 11 p.m. on August 17
- Location
- Venkatapuram, Alwal, Hyderabad
- Reported entry method
- Keys left on a window beside the main door
- Legal action
- A case was registered under the Juvenile Justice Act
- Further police action
- Police are examining the parents’ responsibility and seeking legal opinion