Kanpur: Police have busted a gang involved in stealing transformers and cables belonging to the electricity department, arresting four thieves while three others managed to flee. The arrests were made on Friday, according to DCP (South) Deependra Nath Chaudhary.
Gang Targeted Rural Areas
The gang specifically targeted rural areas, stealing cables and transformers from the electricity department. Recently, they stole a transformer from Katheura in Bidhnu and cables worth lakhs from a depot set up at Movaiya village in the Reuna police station area, where electricity department work was under way. Police registered FIRs in both cases and began an investigation.
How the Gang Operated
The investigation revealed that the gang arrived late at night in a loader vehicle, stole cables and transformers, and escaped. Police obtained CCTV footage during the probe. In an attempt to cover their crimes, the gang conspired and filed a false FIR at the Sachendi police station, reporting that the loader had been stolen. However, the investigation showed that the loader driver and his associates carried out the thefts themselves.
Arrests and Recovery
Police arrested Virendra alias Malhu, a resident of Bidhnu Kakori; Govind, a resident of Kathui village in Bidhnu; Sujeet alias Pappu Dhobi, a resident of Tedapurwa in Bidhnu; and Rohit alias Kariya of Kathui village. Three other gang members—Ashish Yadav, Shanu Kushwaha, and Atul—escaped and are being pursued by police.
From the accused, police recovered a bundle of wire weighing 10 quintals, valued at approximately Rs 5 lakh, three insulators, Rs 3,100 in cash, a loader, and other stolen goods.
Criminal History
The DCP stated that the arrested criminals have an extensive criminal history. Virendra alias Malhu has nine criminal cases registered against him, Govind has four, Sujeet alias Pappu has two, and Rohit has two FIRs against him. The DCP added, "The arrested gang is a notorious gang of thieves and robbers. Gangster Act and NSA action will be taken against them soon."
Raids are ongoing to arrest the remaining absconding members.
