Bhopal Police Bust Gang Stealing 5G Router Units, Millions Recovered

Bhopal police have successfully apprehended a five-member organized gang involved in stealing Base Band Units (BBUs), commonly referred to as 5G router units, from mobile towers across the city. The gang has confessed to committing seven thefts so far, and authorities have recovered four stolen BBUs from their possession.

Modus Operandi

According to police, each Base Band Unit is valued at ₹3.5 to 4 lakh in the market. However, the gang was selling these high-value units to scrap dealers in Delhi for just ₹10,000 per unit, generating substantial profits. These units were reportedly purchased by suppliers from the scrap dealers and later resold to telecom companies, completing a cycle of illicit trade.

How the Theft Was Discovered

The investigation began when technician Premchand Patel from a private telecom company received an alarm alert on June 14 from a mobile tower near Samaradha Crematorium. Upon inspection, he discovered that electronic equipment, including a Base Band Unit (Model 5216), had been stolen from the tower cabinet.

Investigation Leads

Police analyzed CCTV footage and tower location data, while telecom companies provided active mobile data from the area to help track the suspects. Using this combined intelligence, authorities traced and apprehended the gang. The total estimated value of the recovered stolen goods is approximately ₹50 lakh.

This case highlights growing concerns over telecom infrastructure security and the need for vigilant monitoring to prevent large-scale thefts that can disrupt critical communication networks.