Pune Police Crack Down on Traffic Signal Battery Theft Ring
In a significant development for urban infrastructure security, Pune police have apprehended four individuals involved in a series of thefts targeting batteries from traffic controller boxes at various signal junctions throughout the city. The arrests highlight vulnerabilities in critical public systems managed under the Pune Smart City Project.
Details of the Arrest and Recovery
The police operation led to the recovery of 34 stolen batteries, with an estimated value of Rs 68,000, from the accused. The thefts had been causing disruptions to traffic signal operations, particularly during power cuts, posing risks to road safety and urban mobility.
According to a press release issued by senior police inspector Bhausaheb Patil of the Wanavdi police station, the investigation was initiated after officials from Vindhya Telelinks Limited Company, responsible for maintaining the traffic controller boxes and batteries under the Pune Smart City Project, reported missing batteries. An FIR was lodged on January 27 following the discovery of six stolen batteries from control boxes at key locations including Kalubai Chowk, AFMC chowk, and Race Course chowk.
Investigation and Apprehension
A dedicated team, led by assistant police inspector Umakant Mahadik and sub-inspector Alfaz Shaikh, launched a thorough probe. Police meticulously reviewed CCTV footage from around the crime scenes and other areas to gather clues about the perpetrators.
On Friday, policemen Ashish Kamble and Balaji Waghmare received a tip-off that the accused were planning to sell the stolen batteries near Shevkar Vasti Railway Phatak in the Hadapsar area. Acting swiftly, the police set up a trap and successfully nabbed all four suspects while they were in an auto-rickshaw.
Profiles of the Accused and Seized Items
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Deepak Amol Kamble (32), an auto-rickshaw driver from Ramtekdi, Hadapsar
- Chand Usman Shaikh (28), a scrap dealer from Ramtekdi, Hadapsar
- Vikas alias Taklya Vijay Mane (36), a rag picker from Pune Camp
- Ali Mulla Shaikh (27), a labourer from Bhagyoday Nagar, Kondhwa
In addition to the stolen batteries, police seized the auto-rickshaw used in the crimes and a metallic weapon employed by the accused to commit the thefts. This seizure underscores the organized nature of the criminal activities.
Impact and Ongoing Investigation
Investigating officer Alfaz Shaikh revealed that the gang had been stealing batteries from various traffic signal junctions over the past few months, leading to signal failures during power outages. He stated, "The accused have stolen batteries from different traffic signal junctions in the city over the last few months. Due to the thefts, traffic signals stopped operating during power cuts."
So far, five separate FIRs have been registered against the four-member gang, with two at Wanavdi police station and one each at Lakshmi Nagar, Market Yard, and Lashkar police stations. Further investigation is ongoing to uncover any additional links or accomplices in this case.
This incident raises concerns about the security of smart city infrastructure and highlights the need for enhanced monitoring and protection of public assets to ensure uninterrupted urban services.
