Nagpur Police Cracks Down on Interstate Copper Cable Theft Ring
In a significant breakthrough, the Rana Pratap Nagar police in Nagpur successfully dismantled an organized interstate gang responsible for a series of thefts targeting BSNL underground copper cables across the city. The operation, conducted on Friday, led to the arrest of five individuals and the recovery of stolen property valued at an impressive Rs 14.22 lakh.
Gang Linked to Multiple Cases Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
The criminal group has been connected to seven separate cases registered under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. These incidents were reported at various police stations, including Sadar, Tehsil, Bajaj Nagar, Dhantoli, and Lakadganj. Over recent weeks, these thefts repeatedly disrupted BSNL landline and broadband services in different neighborhoods, causing significant inconvenience to residents and businesses.
Complaint Filed by BSNL Supervisor Triggers Investigation
The case originated from a formal complaint lodged by BSNL supervisor Mayank Swami, aged 38, at the Rana Pratap Nagar police station. Swami reported that between 8:15 AM and 9:30 AM on February 19, unidentified persons sliced open a BSNL pillar near Ajoba Park in Swavalambi Nagar. The thieves made off with 2,070 cable crowns, valued at Rs 31,050, along with a motorcycle left at the scene.
Swift Police Action Based on Technical and Surveillance Leads
Acting promptly on technical leads, detailed analysis of surveillance footage, and confidential information, a dedicated police team launched immediate raids. By the following day, five suspects were apprehended and taken into custody. The arrested individuals include Duryodhana Kore (32), Tekeshwar Kharkate (30), and Abhijeet Mendhe (27), all hailing from Gondia, as well as Aniket alias Rocky Mishra (25) and Atif Ali Mustaqeen Ali (25), both natives of Uttar Pradesh.
Recovery of Stolen Goods and Tools from Accused
From the first two accused, investigators successfully recovered the stolen 2,070 cable crowns, the motorcycle, and an assortment of cutting tools. This inventory included iron rods, steel leaves, plastic-covered blades, cutters, and a screwdriver. A significantly larger haul was seized from the remaining accused, comprising approximately 16 boxes containing an estimated 7,100 crown pieces valued at Rs 11 lakh. Additionally, police confiscated a mini-truck that had been ingeniously converted into a mobile juice or ice-cream vending unit.
Supervision by Senior Police Officials and Modus Operandi
The operation was meticulously supervised by Rana Pratap Nagar senior police inspector Pankaj Bondse, under the guidance of zonal DCP Rishikesh Singa Reddy, Joint CP Navinchandra Reddy, and CP Ravinder Singal. Police officials revealed that the accused utilized the modified mini-truck to transport and camouflage large quantities of stolen copper. This vehicle allowed them to lift materials from multiple sites before moving the contraband out of the city undetected.
Ongoing Investigation to Identify Receivers of Stolen Material
Further investigation is actively continuing to identify potential receivers of the pilfered copper material. Authorities are determined to uncover the entire network involved in these thefts and ensure that all culprits are brought to justice. This crackdown highlights the police's commitment to combating organized crime and protecting critical infrastructure in Nagpur.
