In a development that has raised concerns over the security of Bengaluru’s surveillance infrastructure, unidentified thieves allegedly stole batteries connected to CCTV cameras installed under the city’s Safe City project.
According to police, the theft took place on May 16 on Langford Road, where batteries kept inside roadside CCTV junction boxes were reportedly removed by unknown persons.
Batteries stolen from CCTV junction boxes
Police said two batteries connected to the surveillance system were stolen from junction boxes installed along the road.
A complaint regarding the incident was filed by Rajeev Naykar, Project Director of Honeywell, which is responsible for maintaining the surveillance infrastructure under the Safe City initiative.
Authorities estimated the value of the stolen batteries at around ₹46,000.
The case has been registered at Ashok Nagar Police Station, and an investigation is currently underway.
Safe City project aimed at women’s safety
The Safe City project was introduced under the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Nirbhaya Fund to improve women’s safety and strengthen urban surveillance systems.
As part of the initiative, thousands of AI-enabled CCTV cameras have been installed across Bengaluru’s roads, junctions, and public areas to assist law enforcement agencies in crime monitoring and emergency response.
The stolen batteries reportedly served as backup power sources to ensure uninterrupted functioning of the cameras during power failures.
Police examining CCTV footage
Investigators are now examining CCTV footage from nearby areas to identify the suspects and trace the stolen equipment.
The incident has sparked criticism over the protection and maintenance of public surveillance infrastructure, especially equipment linked to a major public safety initiative.
Police officials said efforts are underway to recover the batteries and arrest those responsible.