BSNL cables worth Rs 17.6 lakh stolen in Maharashtra’s Gangapur Naka

Police officials from the Sarkarwada police station reported that Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) began receiving complaints of disconnected phone lines, prompting an investigation. Upon inspection, it was found that eight cables, each 200 meters long, had been stolen around the Old Gangapur Naka. The stolen cables, which belong to BSNL, are valued at Rs 17.6 lakh.

The theft, which occurred sometime between December 4 and December 16, resulted in a loss of landline connectivity for the city police commissionerate along Gangapur Road. DCP (HQ) Chandrakant Khandvi explained, “The connectivity of the police commissionerate was lost from Monday night. However, people could still get in touch with the police by dialing 112.”

He added, “We have asked the concerned officials to shift to fibre optic telephone lines and ensure that the work is complete at the earliest.”

The Sarkarwada police have registered an FIR for theft under Section 303(2), and the case is under investigation. API S Kale, the investigating officer, stated, “The cables are passed through the drainage lines. The burglar may have simply opened the lids of the drainage line and pulled out the cables.”

Though it has not been determined exactly when the theft occurred, the BSNL complaint suggests that the theft may have started as early as December 4. During the investigation, BSNL officials discovered the missing cables. ToI