Jharsuguda: Kolabira police have busted an interstate scrap theft syndicate allegedly involved in stealing electrical aluminium conductors supplying power to rural water supply and lift irrigation projects. Four persons were arrested on Sunday, police said.
Police identified the accused as Babulu alias Abdul Khyyam (46) of Telibhata, Jharsuguda; Balla alias Abdul Rahim (35), originally from Chakradharpur in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district; Ajmail Mir (48) of Hatgachha in West Bengal’s Nadia district; and Ashraf Raza (26) of Purunabasti, Orampada
The case was registered at Kolabira police station following a complaint by an executive staff member of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS), Raghunathpali, on 15th July. A swift investigation subsequently led police to the alleged gang.
Jharsuguda SP GR Raghavendra Said, “The accused had stolen around 2,000 metres of 11KV aluminium conductor from the RWSS project at J Pundkimal under the Jhirlapali feeder. Another 1,600 metres of conductor was allegedly stolen from Badbahal RWSS, Ghanadihi lift irrigation point under the Jhirlapali feeder, and Jianjore lift irrigation point under the Raghunathpali feeder. The stolen material was allegedly concealed in a scrap godown at Purunabasti in Jharsuguda, with plans to dispose. Police also seized a Bolero Plus vehicle bearing registration number OD-14R-0447, six bundles of cut aluminium conductor, a wire cutter allegedly used in the crime, and plastic rope. The accused confessed to their involvement in the case during interrogation and disclosed their alleged role in similar thefts committed in other police station areas. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the gang’s wider network and involvement in other cases.”
