In a significant crackdown on telecom infrastructure theft, the Pratapnagar Police Station has dismantled an inter-state gang involved in stealing BSNL cable components across the city. Police have recovered stolen property worth ₹14.22 lakh and successfully detected seven related offences registered at various police stations.
Accused Caught Red-Handed Near Swavalambi Nagar
The action followed a complaint lodged by Mayank Sevakram Swami (38), a supervisor with BSNL Nagpur, who reported that between 8.15 am and 9.30 am on February 19, two individuals were found stealing ‘Krone’ modules — key telecom distribution components — from BSNL pillars numbered 12 and 16 near Aaji Aajoba Park in Swavalambi Nagar.
Police apprehended Duryodhan Parsaram Kore (32) and Tekeshwar Ghanshyam Kharkate (30), both natives of Kalpatri village in Gondia district and currently residing in Nagpur. From their possession, officers seized 207 Krone modules valued at ₹31,050 and a motorcycle (MH-35 AP 1769) worth ₹25,000 allegedly used in the crime.
Wider Racket Exposed During Investigation
Further investigation, supported by technical surveillance and intelligence inputs, led to the arrest of three additional accused: Abhijeet Purushottam Mendhe (27) from Gondia, and Aniket alias Rocky Anand Mishra (25) and Atif Ali Mustaqeen Ali (25), both residents of Jaunpur district in Uttar Pradesh.
Police said the accused were operating as part of an organised inter-state gang targeting BSNL underground cable infrastructure in different parts of Nagpur.
Seven Offences Solved Across City Police Stations
The probe helped solve seven cable theft cases registered at Sadar, Lakadganj, Tehsil, Bajaj Nagar and other police stations within Nagpur city limits. The cumulative value of the seized stolen material stands at ₹14,22,400.
Operation Conducted Under Senior Supervision
The operation was carried out under the guidance of senior city police officials, including DCP Zone-1 Rushikesh Reddy Singa Reddy, Assistant Commissioner of Police Satish Gurav, and Senior Police Inspector Pankaj Bondse.
A team led by API Amol Tambe and PSI Satish Bhole, along with other personnel from Pratapnagar Police Station, executed the operation.
Police are continuing the investigation to determine whether the gang was involved in similar thefts outside Nagpur.
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