Police in Tamil Nadu's Namakkal district have successfully cracked down on a theft ring, arresting four individuals involved in stealing copper wires from private industrial units. The operation led to the recovery of a significant haul of stolen material and multiple vehicles used in the crimes.
The Thursday Night Bust During Vehicle Check
The gang's activities came to an abrupt end on Thursday night during a routine police vehicle check near Pallipalayam. Officers grew suspicious when an autorickshaw abruptly changed its route upon spotting the police checkpoint. A swift chase ensued, leading to the vehicle being intercepted.
Upon inspection, the police discovered the auto-rickshaw was loaded with a large quantity of copper wires. The three occupants—Sanjay (20), Subash (24), and Aaron (25)—were immediately detained for questioning.
Confession and Connection to Earlier Complaints
During interrogation, the trio confessed to stealing copper wires from two separate private companies in the district. Their modus operandi involved selling the stolen wires to a local scrap dealer at a fraction of their actual market value.
The police subsequently arrested Edison, who runs a scrap iron shop in Namakkal district, identified as the receiver of the stolen goods. This arrest solved two theft cases that were reported earlier in the month.
On January 4, a solar power company located in Veppadai Lakshmipalayam near Pallipalayam and a spinning mill in Vellikuttai village had filed separate police complaints about thefts of copper wires from their premises. A special police team had been formed to investigate these incidents.
Major Seizure and Legal Proceedings
The police seizure from the gang was substantial. They recovered:
- The goods autorickshaw used for transportation, found carrying approximately 200 kilograms of stolen copper wires.
- A jeep.
- Five motorcycles.
All four arrested individuals were presented before a magistrate court following their arrest. The court has ordered them to be held in judicial custody as the investigation proceeds. The police action has provided relief to local industries that had been targeted by the thieves.
