Hyderabad MBA Student's Thar Stepney Obsession Ends In Arrest; Police Recover 15 Stolen Wheels

News india Hyderabad MBA Student's Thar Stepney Obsession Ends In Arrest; Police Recover 15 Stolen Wheels

Last Updated:November 01, 2026, 11:24 IST

The footage captured Khan approaching the Thar before retreating to his scooter whenever another vehicle or passerby came into view.

A 23-year-old MBA student was arrested in Hyderabad for allegedly stealing spare wheels and rims from parked vehicles, with police recovering 15 wheels, including 12 from Mahindra Thar SUVs.

The investigation began after a complaint was filed on October 20 over the theft of a spare wheel from a Thar parked outside Galaxy Enclave Apartments in Rethibowli. Police registered a case and examined CCTV footage, which allegedly showed the accused, identified as Soban Ali Khan, arriving on a scooter and attempting to remove the vehicle’s rear-mounted spare tyre.

The footage captured Khan approaching the Thar before retreating to his scooter whenever another vehicle or passerby came into view. After waiting and checking the lane, he returned to the SUV, removed the spare wheel within seconds and fled.

Police arrested Khan on Saturday after examining the footage.

Investigators said he particularly targeted Mahindra Thars and had devised a way to obtain tools without having to buy them. He would visit puncture repair shops, claim he needed tools to fix a puncture and pay a refundable deposit of Rs 200 to Rs 300. After allegedly stealing a vehicle’s spare wheel and rim, he would return the tools and collect his deposit.

Police said Khan could remove the spare wheels easily using a spanner. His father works at a wheel-alignment shop, giving him familiarity with automobile wheels.

During questioning, Khan allegedly disclosed his involvement in 11 theft cases registered across 10 police station jurisdictions, including two in Attapur. The cases span Film Nagar, Langar House, Gudimalkapur, Saifabad, Chandrayangutta, Chaderghat, Chatrinaka, Meerpet and Narayanguda.

Apart from the 12 Thar wheels, police recovered two wheels from Ford Endeavour vehicles and one from a Ford EcoSport.

Investigators are now examining when the alleged thefts began, whether Khan was involved in other cases and where the stolen wheels were sold. Police are also probing the identities of alleged buyers and the possible disposal network.

About the Author

Shankhyaneel Sarkar

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a chief sub editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has ...Read More

Read More