Raipur:
Bhilai Bhatti police on Tuesday arrested two absconding members of a gang involved in stealing scrap copper from the Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) premises, taking all three accused in the case into custody.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Akash Kuhikar (34), a resident of Kurud under Jamul police station limits, and Pritam Kumar alias Panchu Nishad (31), a resident of Station Maroda under Newai police station limits. Police produced both accused before a local court, which remanded them in judicial custody.
The incident occurred on 24 May 2026 around 9:56 am, when three persons illegally entered the steel plant premises behind Plate Mill-03 to steal 210 kg of scrap copper wire valued at ₹1.26 lakh. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel intercepted the prime suspect, Nemchand Yadav (32), on the spot and handed him over to the police along with the recovered material. Yadav was sent to judicial remand on the same day.
The two co-accused fled the scene during the initial raid. Following a continuous search, a police team led by Assistant Sub-Inspector Bharat Singh Chaudhary nabbed both absconding suspects on 27 July 2026 after surrounding their hideouts. During interrogation, the duo confessed to their involvement in the crime alongside Yadav.
Durg police have urged citizens to report any suspicious activities near industrial establishments and public assets immediately, assuring strict legal action against individuals involved in industrial thefts.
