Mumbai Crime News : Senior MTNL Official Foils Brazen Cable Theft Operation in Vakola, Mumbai
Maharashtra Mirror:Viivek Rajendra Jagtap
In a dramatic turn of events, a senior official from the Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) caught a group of thieves red-handed while they attempted to steal valuable underground cables in the Vakola area of Mumbai. The incident, which unfolded just meters away from the Wakola police station, has raised serious concerns about the rampant cable thefts that have reportedly cost MTNL up to Rs 500 crore in losses over recent years. Mumbai Latest Crime News
The theft occurred on a busy afternoon, when the thieves were using a JCB machine to dig into an underground manhole to extract MTNL’s cables. Eyewitness accounts reveal that the operation was alarmingly brazen, given its proximity to law enforcement. The thieves were also loading the stolen materials into a tempo when the MTNL officer intervened, prompting a quick response from the authorities.
According to police sources, the stolen equipment, along with the tempo and JCB machine, has been seized and taken to the Wakola police station for further investigation. Preliminary inquiries suggest a potential nexus between local kabadi (scrap dealers) and some insiders within MTNL, hinting at a larger, organized network behind these thefts.
Inspector from the Wakola police station commented, “This incident showcases the need for increased vigilance in areas where such operations are likely to occur. We will conduct a thorough investigation to identify any possible collusion between the thieves and MTNL personnel.”
While this incident highlights the challenges faced by public utilities like MTNL in protecting their infrastructure, it also serves as a reminder of the systemic issues that contribute to such brazen acts. The involvement of scrap dealers raises questions about regulatory oversight in the recycling sector, and the possibility of insider involvement calls for a thorough examination of internal protocols within MTNL.
The recent incident in Vakola sheds light on a troubling trend of cable thefts in Mumbai, which continue to burden MTNL and disrupt the lives of countless residents. As the investigation unfolds, it is imperative that both law enforcement and MTNL take decisive steps to combat this issue—from enforcing stricter regulations on scrap dealing to enhancing security measures around critical infrastructure. Only through concerted efforts can the city hope to curb the economic and operational impacts of cable theft and maintain the integrity of its telecommunications network.
