Prayagraj: : Mutthiganj police, with the help of the city surveillance team, arrested two miscreants for the theft of high-value power cables and seized stolen material worth lakhs from their possession.The accused, identified as Mohammad Asif Malik, 25, of Shamli and Saavi Khan, 19, of Baghpat, were arrested on Thursday from Parade Ground area under Daraganj police station limits.Acting on a tip-off, police apprehended the duo and seized two drums of 33 kV electrical cable weighing around 13 tonnes and worth around Rs 35-40 lakh. Following the recovery of the stolen cable, an additional section under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita was invoked in the case. Further legal action is under way.According to the police, the case was registered after contractor Abhishek Singh reported the theft of a drum of 33 kV cable placed near old Yamuna bridge under Mutthiganj police station limits. The cable was meant for installation between Bairahana Power House and Gaughat Power House.During interrogation, the accused revealed that they were working with a private firm associated with the electricity department and stole the cable on the instructions of a contractor. They also confessed to stealing another drum from Boat Club area under Kidganj police station. The stolen cables were intended to be sold, with proceeds shared among themselves.Police said efforts are ongoing to identify others involved in the racket and take action accordingly.
