Raipur
Durg police have arrested a loader operator in connection with an organised racket stealing iron scrap and coke from the Bhilai Steel Plant under the guise of transporting flue dust. This is the 16th arrest in the case.
Police have seized property worth ₹3.22 crore, including iron scrap valued at ₹90 lakh, along with vehicles and heavy machinery allegedly used in the crime.
A police team, acting on a tip-off on 26 May 2026, searched AK Traders in Aklordih village and Plot Number 18 at the Heavy Industrial Area (HIA) in Hathkhoj, Bhilai. Officers found iron plates, beams, and cutting material loaded alongside flue dust inside several hyva trucks and other transport vehicles. Large quantities of iron scrap were also found stored at multiple locations.
The investigation revealed that an organised gang was systematically stealing iron scrap from the Bhilai Steel Plant during flue dust transport and storing it illegally. Police seized nearly 250 tonnes of iron plates, beam cuttings, and other scrap materials, along with hydra cranes, JCBs, and other loading machinery.
Police detained Hemant Dewangan (22), a resident of Mokha village in Dhamtari district, after evidence linked him to the crime. During interrogation, he admitted to working as a loader operator for Himanshu Brothers. He allegedly loaded iron scrap and coke during night shifts, concealing the material beneath flue dust to smuggle it out of the steel plant in hyva trucks.
Police also seized the loader (CG 07 CE 0249) allegedly used in the crime and remanded the accused to judicial custody.
Efforts are underway to trace and arrest the remaining members of the syndicate. Durg police have appealed to citizens to report any illegal trade or suspicious activities, warning of strict legal action against those involved in organised crime.
