In a significant crackdown, the Pratapgarh police have successfully dismantled an inter-district criminal network specializing in the theft of oil from transformers and other crucial electrical equipment. The operation led to the arrest of the gang's key operative on Sunday.
Key Arrest and Major Seizure
The police team apprehended the accused, identified as Akhilesh (20), a resident of Chitrakoot near Jagannathpur village in the Lalganj area. From his possession, authorities recovered a substantial haul of stolen materials and tools used in the crimes.
The seized items include:
- 12 litres of stolen transformer oil.
- Transformer and electrical copper equipment packed in two sacks.
- A plastic box containing various wire-cutting and theft tools.
- One nylon rope, one number plate, and one four-wheeler vehicle.
Gang's Modus Operandi and Confessions
During interrogation, Akhilesh confessed to the police that the gang was responsible for three major thefts in the Raniganj, Lalganj, and Kotwali Dehat areas. He revealed intricate details of their operations.
The accused admitted to using his friend's SUV fitted with a fake registration plate to transport the stolen oil and equipment. He further named other gang members, pointing to Sunil Gaur as the kingpin, along with Lavkush Kasera and others.
"A Naini (Prayagraj)-based man was the gang leader, and he used to connect with gang members using WhatsApp calls," the accused told police. To avoid detection, the gang members would switch off their mobile phones while committing crimes to prevent location tracking.
Chain of Disposal and Past Record
After executing the thefts, the stolen goods were transported to the house of gang leader Sunil Gaur in Naini for hiding. Gaur would then sell the contraband at a profitable price and distribute the share among the gang members.
Investigations revealed that the kingpin, Sunil Gaur, has a criminal history and has been sent to jail several times before. The accused, Akhilesh, has been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections 303(2), 317(2), 317(4), 317(5), 318(4), 338(4), 336(3), and 340(2).
The police action highlights a growing concern over thefts targeting critical power infrastructure, which cause significant financial loss and disrupt essential electricity supply. The investigation is ongoing to apprehend the remaining absconding members of the gang.
