A man from Manipur was arrested in connection with a Guwahati theft case, after Dispur police recovered several stolen inverter batteries from his rented room. The incident has brought to light a growing trend of battery thefts in the city, raising concerns among residents and business owners.
The suspect was caught during a raid carried out on Tuesday, July 23, in the Khanapara area. According to police, he had moved into the city a few months ago and was staying in a rented apartment under a fake name.
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Stolen Batteries Found in Large Numbers
Dispur police tracked the accused through surveillance footage and local leads. They launched a late-night raid based on tip-offs and found over a dozen stolen inverter batteries stored inside his rented room.
Officials estimated the value of the seized batteries at more than ₹3 lakh. Many of the stolen items were already packed and ready for resale. Police believe the accused was planning to transport them outside the state within days.
Organized Theft Network Suspected
Investigators suspect that the man was part of a wider group involved in similar thefts across Assam and nearby states. During questioning, the accused reportedly admitted to targeting vulnerable locations with little to no surveillance.
He visited residential areas and commercial buildings, often pretending to be a technician. Once he gained entry, he would steal the inverter batteries and disappear. Authorities are now tracing his connections to identify his partners.
Guwahati Sees Rise in Battery Theft
This Guwahati theft case is not an isolated incident. In recent months, residents of several localities have reported missing inverter batteries and other electrical items. Dispur and Basistha police stations have received dozens of complaints since June.
Experts point out that the growing use of inverters, especially during power cuts, has increased the demand for batteries. Criminals see this as an opportunity to steal and sell them to unlicensed scrap dealers or on the black market.
Police Crack Down on Battery Thefts
The Dispur police have launched a targeted drive to stop the battery theft menace. They are closely monitoring scrap shops, garages, and warehouses where stolen items are often resold. Officers are also conducting surprise checks in theft-prone areas.
The investigating officer confirmed that they are preparing a list of recent thefts to match the recovered batteries with filed complaints. Once owners come forward and identify their items, the police will begin returning them.
Appeal for Community Support
Dispur police have urged the public to report suspicious activities immediately. They also advised residents to secure their inverter units and use CCTV cameras. Local shops and businesses have been asked to verify the credentials of anyone claiming to be a technician or service provider.
Speaking to reporters, a senior officer said, “We need the community’s support to stop such crimes. Our team is working hard, but quick reporting helps us act faster.”
Safety Measures to Prevent Further Theft
To prevent future thefts, the police plan to conduct awareness drives in residential colonies and apartment blocks. They will distribute flyers and posters with safety guidelines and emergency contact numbers.
The Guwahati Police Commissionerate has also decided to build a database of theft patterns and frequent offenders. This step aims to identify repeat cases and deploy resources more efficiently in those areas.
Growing Concerns Among Residents
Many residents expressed concern over the increase in thefts. In several areas, housing societies have hired private guards and installed extra locks on inverter enclosures. Business owners too have begun securing their equipment more tightly.
The news of this Guwahati theft case has triggered discussions on local WhatsApp groups and community forums. People are sharing information about suspicious visitors and unauthorised access to buildings.
Investigation Continues
The accused remains in police custody and will be presented before the court for further proceedings. Investigators are scanning his call records and travel history to uncover the entire chain behind the theft.
Police believe more arrests will follow soon. They have not ruled out the involvement of dealers who knowingly purchased the stolen goods.
Conclusion
The Guwahati theft case involving a Manipur man is a reminder of the city’s growing battle against organised petty crime. With inverter batteries in high demand, thieves are targeting homes and offices for quick profits.
Thanks to Dispur police’s swift action, several stolen items have been recovered. However, long-term prevention will require cooperation from residents, business owners, and law enforcement alike. Public awareness, security upgrades, and community vigilance remain the best tools to curb this emerging threat.
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