Jamnagar Police Crack Down on Solar Plant Wire Theft Ring
In a significant breakthrough, Dhrol police in Jamnagar district have successfully apprehended a gang of five men allegedly involved in the theft of electric wires from solar power plants. The operation led to the recovery of stolen property valued at approximately Rs 4.45 lakh, marking a crucial victory against infrastructure crime in the region.
Investigation Launched After Major Theft Incident
The case unfolded following a substantial theft reported between the evening of March 31 and the early morning of April 1, 2026. Unidentified perpetrators stole approximately 12,000 metres of electric wire, with an estimated worth of Rs 2.40 lakh, from a solar plant situated near Piyava Chowkdi in Hariper village along the Dhrol-Latipur road.
Advanced Surveillance Techniques Lead to Breakthrough
Dhrol police initiated a comprehensive investigation, leveraging multiple technological and intelligence resources. Authorities meticulously analysed CCTV footage from the area and conducted extensive technical surveillance. With crucial assistance from the Jamnagar command and control centre, police collated human intelligence that provided vital leads.
The surveillance team received specific information indicating that the suspects were traveling from Jamnagar towards Dhrol. Acting swiftly on this tip, police intercepted a vehicle on the busy Jamnagar-Rajkot highway, leading to the immediate arrest of four individuals from the car.
Interrogation Reveals Larger Network
Following the initial arrests, further interrogation of the suspects enabled police to identify and locate the receiver of the stolen materials. This development brought the total number of arrests to five, effectively dismantling the entire theft operation from perpetrators to the point of sale.
Identities of Arrested Accused Revealed
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Hussain alias Lengho Mepani (26)
- Arif Tayani (20)
- Aslam Tayani (23)
- Ashif Mepani (23)
- Bashir Chauhan (35), a scrap dealer who allegedly purchased the stolen wire
Significant Seizures and Case Resolution
During the operation, police confiscated 125 kilograms of burned copper wire valued at Rs 1.25 lakh, along with various tools used in the commission of the thefts. Law enforcement officials confirmed that this successful operation has helped resolve two separate copper wire theft cases previously registered at Dhrol and Jodiya police stations.
Criminal Backgrounds of Some Accused
Police investigations revealed that two of the arrested individuals, Arif Tayani and Aslam Tayani, have existing criminal records. Both were previously involved in a theft case registered in 2025 at Sikka police station, indicating a pattern of similar criminal activities.
The swift action by Dhrol police demonstrates the effectiveness of combining traditional policing methods with modern surveillance technology. This case highlights the ongoing challenges of protecting critical infrastructure like solar plants and serves as a warning to those involved in such thefts across the region.
