MARGAO: A series of incidents involving the alleged theft, attempted theft and vandalism of BSNL telecom infrastructure has been reported from different parts of South Goa, with cases registered in Verna, Maina-Curtorim, Colva and Fatorda.
The incidents allegedly targeted essential infrastructure, including DC copper power cables, optical fibre cables (OFC), power cables and valuable tag blocks installed inside BSNL pillar cabinets. In some cases, the damage disrupted telephone services to BSNL customers and caused financial losses and damage to public property.
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In the latest case, Maina-Curtorim police registered a case following a complaint by Saanvi Desai, Junior Telecom Officer, Telephone Exchange, Margao, regarding an incident at Davorlim between September 13 and 17.
Unknown persons allegedly broke open BSNL pillar cabinets at TNK locations near Zoriwada, Datta Mandir and Maruti Mandir, disconnected wires and dismantled and removed valuable tag blocks. The alleged acts disrupted telephone services in the area, with the damage and loss estimated at around Rs 30,000.
Police registered offences under Sections 303(2), 324(2) and 112 of the BNS, Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and Section 42(5) of the Telecommunications Act. Further investigation is being conducted by PSI Narayan Pinge.
At Sancoale, Verna police registered a case following a complaint by Kamalaksh Chari, Joint Telecom Officer, BSNL Vasco/Verna, regarding the alleged theft of around five metres of DC copper power cable connected to BSNL’s 4G equipment on August 7. The cable was valued at around Rs 2,000. An offence under Section 303(2) of the BNS was registered and PSI Aditya Velip is investigating.
In another Sancoale incident, unknown persons allegedly attempted to steal an OFC cable and a power cable connected to BSNL’s 4G equipment on July 21. The equipment was valued at around Rs 10,000. Verna police registered an offence under Section 303(2) read with Section 62 of the BNS, with ASI Paresh Fal Dessai investigating.
A similar incident was reported from Colva between September 1 and 19, near Rice Bowl Restaurant. According to a complaint by Junior Telecom Officer Vandana Naik, unknown persons allegedly broke open BSNL pillar cabinets, disconnected wires and removed valuable tag blocks. The alleged damage disrupted telephone services, with the loss estimated at around Rs 40,000.
Colva police registered offences under Sections 303(2) and 324(2) of the BNS and Section 3 of the PDPP Act. LPSI Varshada Naik Dessai is investigating.
Fatorda police have also registered a case following a complaint by Chandrakant Ghaste, Junior Engineer, BSNL, Margao, regarding alleged damage to pillar cabinets at Sanchayani pillar at Vidyanagar, Felicinta pillar and near Bolshe Circle prior to September 17.
The accused allegedly broke open the cabinets, disconnected wires and dismantled valuable tag blocks, resulting in disruption of telephone services and damage to public property. PSI Satvashil Devidas is investigating.
The incidents have highlighted the vulnerability of BSNL telecom infrastructure installed in public places. While the Sancoale cases involved alleged cutting and attempted theft of copper, OFC and power cables, the Davorlim, Colva and Fatorda cases primarily involved the alleged breaking open of pillar cabinets and removal of tag blocks and wiring.
Police in the respective jurisdictions are investigating the incidents and working to identify those responsible. Further investigation will also establish whether the incidents are isolated or connected.
