The Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate has apprehended four individuals involved in a brazen theft of copper wires from air conditioning units at Loka Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.
The arrests, made on June 9, 2025, follow a meticulous investigation prompted by a complaint from Deepak Kumar Sahu, the maintenance supervisor of the facility.
The incident, registered as Capital P.S. Case No. 262 on June 8, 2025, under Sections 303(2)/3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), unfolded on the rooftop of the RD Conference Hall near the 9 Tala Office. CCTV footage captured three women and one man dismantling an AC outdoor unit to steal copper wires around 12:30 AM on June 8. The accused, identified as labourers engaged at Loka Seva Bhawan, exploited their access to carry out the theft.
Following the complaint, the Capital Police Station launched an investigation, analysing CCTV footage and photographs from the crime scene. The suspects were traced to their residences in Unit-5, Keshari Nagar slum, Bhubaneswar, where they were arrested. The police recovered stolen items, including copper wires, a plastic L-angle, a broken iron angle, and an electric connecting wire from an AC unit. During interrogation, the accused confessed to the crime, admitting to targeting copper materials due to their high market value.
The arrested individuals are Prafulla Kumar Jena (58), Urmila Pradhan (40), Krishna Bisoi (35), and Kumari Pradhan (35), all hailing from villages under Pattapur Police Station in Ganjam District. They were produced in court on June 9, 2025, and further investigation is ongoing to uncover any additional involvement or similar incidents.
This case highlights the growing issue of organised theft targeting valuable materials like copper from government infrastructure. The Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police have reiterated their commitment to curbing such crimes, urging facility managers to enhance security measures.
