In a brazen act targeting critical telecom infrastructure, thieves have stolen a significant quantity of specialised underground copper cabling belonging to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in Chandigarh's Sector 34. The sophisticated theft has prompted a police investigation and caused substantial financial damage to the state-owned telecommunications giant.
Discovery and Details of the Theft
The incident came to light during a routine inspection by Virender Singh, a subdivisional officer (SDO) at the local BSNL telephone exchange. Singh discovered that secure duct covers near major government landmarks had been forcibly opened. Upon closer examination, it was found that underground conduits had been deliberately severed at locations near the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) offices and the state health department's premises.
Authorities noted that the perpetrators displayed a clear understanding of the telecom setup, specifically targeting high-value, high-capacity cables. The stolen property includes a precise inventory of copper wiring:
- 20 units of 800-pair and 1,200-pair copper cables, each measuring 4 meters.
- Two units of 800-pair copper cables, each 15 meters long.
- One unit of a 1,200-pair copper cable, measuring 30 meters.
Police Investigation Launched
Following the complaint filed by SDO Virender Singh, the Sector 34 police have registered a formal theft case against unidentified suspects. The investigation is currently focused on reviewing footage from CCTV cameras installed in the vicinity of the crime scenes. Investigators are scouring the recordings to identify the culprits and any vehicles that may have been used to transport the heavy, bulky cabling away from the site.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the case. Police officials have also not publicly disclosed the total estimated monetary value of the stolen copper, though it is acknowledged as a significant loss for BSNL.
Implications and Ongoing Probe
This theft highlights the vulnerability of essential public utility infrastructure to targeted crime. The incident has not only resulted in a direct financial hit but also poses a potential risk to telecom services in the area. The technical nature of the crime, where thieves specifically sought out high-pair count cables, suggests a level of premeditation and insider knowledge of such systems.
The police probe remains active, with efforts concentrated on digital evidence and forensic analysis of the crime scenes. The case underscores the need for enhanced security measures around critical infrastructure installations belonging to government-owned enterprises like BSNL.
