Bhubaneswar, Oct 19: Mancheswar police have detained a suspect in connection with an alleged battery theft racket operating in Bhubaneswar. The action followed the interception of a black Scorpio SUV suspected of being used in the thefts.
According to preliminary information, the suspected gang targeted heavy vehicles, including trucks, JCB machines and Hywas. The batteries allegedly stolen from these vehicles were reportedly sold elsewhere.
During the investigation, police found that the number plate of the black SUV had allegedly been tampered with. Investigators are examining the vehicle’s possible connection to the thefts.
Probe Underway to Identify Other Suspects
Police were questioning the detained suspect to identify other people who may have been involved in the alleged racket and trace the outlets or individuals to whom the stolen batteries were sold.
Investigators are also working to establish the extent of the operation and determine whether the vehicle was used in multiple theft incidents.
Further details, including the identity of the suspect and the number of batteries allegedly stolen, have not been disclosed in the information available so far.
Earlier Interstate Vehicle Theft Case
In a separate case, Commissionerate Police reportedly arrested three members of an interstate truck theft gang on August 9, 2026. Police recovered a stolen trailer worth approximately Rs 70 lakh within seven hours of the theft near the Gangapada toll gate.
The accused allegedly planned to take the vehicle outside Odisha but were intercepted by Infovalley police. Two trailers, collectively valued at more than Rs 1 crore, were reportedly seized in connection with the case.
Investigation Continues
Mancheswar police are continuing their investigation into the alleged battery theft racket, focusing on identifying possible accomplices and tracing the disposal of the stolen batteries.
Further details are expected as the investigation progresses. The allegations against the detained suspect remain subject to investigation and have not been established in court.
