New Delhi [India], April 14 (ANI): In a significant breakthrough, the Delhi Police Crime Branch has busted an interstate gang engaged in the theft and illegal trade of critical telecom infrastructure components, including Remote Radio Units (RRUs). Four individuals have been arrested in the operation, which uncovered a sophisticated criminal network operating across several states.
The Central Range of the Crime Branch conducted the operation following weeks of surveillance, undercover work, and ground intelligence gathering. Police recovered 12 high-value RRUs worth approximately ₹48 lakhs, specialized dismantling tools and software, and a taxi used to transport the stolen equipment.
About RRUs and the Impact of Their Theft
RRUs—also known as Remote Radio Heads—are essential components of mobile tower infrastructure, connecting wireless devices to networks and enabling services like voice calls, text messages, and internet connectivity. Their theft not only disrupts communication services, including emergency numbers like 112 and 102, but also leads to substantial financial losses for telecom operators who must reinstall the equipment.
Widespread Operations and Previous Crackdowns
Delhi has emerged as a major transit hub for storing and moving stolen telecom equipment. Police officials revealed that gang members regularly changed locations and storage sites to avoid detection.
This operation builds on earlier successes. Previously, various Crime Branch units apprehended 52 individuals from multiple states and recovered:
- 524 RRUs
- 110 BBUs (Base Band Units)
- 161 Jio batteries
- 1 RRU Testing Machine
These items, stolen from mobile towers in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Punjab, Jharkhand, Assam, and West Bengal, are valued at approximately ₹10 crores. The crackdown significantly reduced the theft and black-market circulation of such critical infrastructure.
Challenging Operation in Densely Populated Areas
According to DCP Crime Vikram Singh, the team operated in sensitive and high-density areas like Seelampur, Welcome, and Gonda in Northeast Delhi—areas known for narrow lanes, local resistance, and use by organized criminals as hideouts. Officers conducted covert surveillance and stakeouts, blending into local communities to gather intelligence and overcome logistical challenges.
Arrested Accused:
- Samiruddin
- Mohd. Zaheem alias Zaim
- Zaid
- Mohd. Sultan alias Shobi
The suspects were found in possession of dismantled RRUs, bulk telecom scrap, and specialized tools. Eight RRU theft cases in Delhi have been directly linked to the gang.
Police are now working with telecom company nodal officers to trace the origin of the recovered RRUs. A forensic examination of tools and digital devices is ongoing. Investigations continue to identify additional gang members, interstate operatives, scrap dealers, and potential links to international resale networks. (ANI)
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