In a major breakthrough, Karnataka Police have cracked a BSNL copper wire theft case in Bengaluru, arresting an interstate gang accused of stealing telecom infrastructure worth lakhs of rupees.
The accused were identified as Ravi Chavhan, Sandeep and Syed Jahed, all reportedly residents of Uttar Pradesh.
The arrests were made by police in Yeshwanthpur after what officials described as a highly coordinated operation.
Gang posed as telecom staff
Investigators said the trio used blue uniforms resembling those worn by BSNL staff to avoid suspicion.
Disguised as maintenance workers, they allegedly accessed telephone exchanges, roadside junction boxes and other telecom points during the day, making their movements appear routine.
Police said the gang used tools such as cutters, hammers and screwdrivers to break open infrastructure and remove copper wiring and modules.
Multiple Bengaluru areas targeted
Authorities said thefts were reported in several localities including Sadashivanagar, Malleswaram, Mathikere and Yeshwanthpur.
Police believe the gang travelled between cities by air and later transported stolen goods through trains to reduce suspicion.
CCTV trail led to arrests
Following repeated complaints from BSNL over losses and service disruption, police launched an investigation using CCTV footage from multiple locations.
After tracking movement patterns and suspicious activity, officers identified and arrested the suspects. They have since been remanded to judicial custody.
Wider network suspected
Officials said the thefts caused both financial damage and telecom disruption affecting residents and businesses.
Police now suspect the gang may be linked to a larger interstate network involved in organised telecom theft and illegal scrap resale.
Further investigation is underway.