Bengaluru Police Crack Down on UPS Battery Theft Ring
In a significant breakthrough, the Parappana Agrahara police in Bengaluru have apprehended a serial offender responsible for a spate of thefts involving Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) batteries. These batteries are critical for maintaining power to essential urban infrastructure, including traffic signals, CCTV surveillance cameras, and streetlights. The arrest has led to the recovery of 51 stolen batteries and the autorickshaw utilized in the criminal operations.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
The accused, identified as Chinnadorai, aged 38, is a resident of SRY Layout in Vaddarapalya, Bengaluru, and originally hails from Villupuram in Tamil Nadu. He operates a scrap business, which police believe served as a front for storing stolen goods. Authorities are actively pursuing his absconding associate to bring the full network to justice.
The case unfolded after a manager from a private firm in Electronics City, which supplies manpower to a local township, filed a formal complaint on February 25. The company had installed UPS batteries to ensure continuous power supply for CCTV cameras, streetlights, and traffic signals. The theft was discovered following power disruptions reported around 3 a.m., with six batteries stolen from Electronics City Phase 2 and four more taken from metal boxes on Shanthipura Main Road.
Modus Operandi and Confession
Through meticulous investigation, police tracked Chinnadorai and captured him in Vaddarapalya on March 9. During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to the thefts, revealing that he and his associate targeted batteries from multiple locations across Bengaluru. The stolen items were transported using an autorickshaw and stored at his scrap shop before being sold.
Chinnadorai admitted to selling each battery for between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000, with the total value of the recovered property estimated at approximately Rs 4 lakh. This highlights the financial impact of such crimes on public and private infrastructure.
History of Criminal Activity
Police disclosed that Chinnadorai has been involved in similar thefts since 2022 and has prior arrests by the Malleswaram and Bandepalya police for related offenses. This pattern underscores his status as a habitual offender, posing a persistent threat to urban security and functionality.
The recovery of the batteries and vehicle is expected to mitigate future disruptions, but authorities emphasize the need for enhanced security measures around critical infrastructure to prevent such incidents. The investigation continues as police work to dismantle any broader networks involved in these thefts.
