Bhopal police have arrested a man accused of stealing backup batteries from ATMs across the city. The stolen units, valued at approximately Rs 3 lakh, were recovered from the suspect's possession.
Details of the Arrest
The accused, identified as Ravi Sharma, was apprehended following a detailed investigation by the local crime branch. Police officials stated that Sharma targeted multiple ATMs in different areas of Bhopal over the past few weeks. He specifically stole the heavy-duty batteries used as power backups during outages.
Modus Operandi
According to the police, Sharma would scout ATMs in secluded locations during late night hours. He used basic tools to break open the battery compartments and quickly remove the units. The stolen batteries were then sold to scrap dealers for a fraction of their actual cost.
Senior police inspector Amit Singh said, “The accused had a clear pattern. He avoided ATMs with CCTV cameras or security guards. We are now verifying if he was involved in similar thefts in neighboring districts.”
Recovery and Investigation
Police recovered 15 batteries from Sharma's hideout, along with tools used in the thefts. The total value of the recovered units is estimated at Rs 3 lakh. Officials have also seized a motorcycle used by the accused to transport the stolen items.
Legal Proceedings
Sharma has been booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for theft and criminal trespass. He was produced before a local court and remanded to judicial custody. Further investigations are underway to identify any accomplices.
ATM operators have been advised to enhance security measures, including installing tamper-proof locks and alarm systems. Police are also coordinating with banks to prevent such incidents in the future.
