Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Sep 16: In a sweeping crackdown against thefts of critical 5G telecom infrastructure, the Punjab Police on Tuesday arrested 61 individuals and registered 95 FIRs across the state. The stolen equipment primarily targeted high-value GUC1 Cards—vital components for the operation of both 4G and 5G networks—owned by telecom giant Bharti Airtel.

The swift and targeted operation was carried out by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed under the orders of Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav and led by DIG Rajpal Sandhu. Working in coordination with district police units, the SIT traced and apprehended those involved in the thefts, which were carried out in under two minutes per incident.

DIG Sandhu confirmed that extensive use of technical surveillance and human intelligence enabled the police to identify and break the network behind the sophisticated heists. He also stated that further investigations are ongoing to uncover insider links and trace the entire supply chain behind the stolen equipment.

The police have issued a stern warning to anti-social elements involved in telecom thefts, promising strict legal consequences. More arrests are expected as the probe expands.

In a parallel operation under the ongoing anti-drug campaign "Yudh Nashian Virudh," Punjab Police also raided 359 locations on the same day, arresting 86 drug smugglers and registering 75 FIRs. Over the past 199 days, a total of 29,804 smugglers have been arrested.

Tuesday’s raids resulted in the seizure of 21.1 kg heroin, 2 kg opium, 254 kg poppy husk, 1,156 intoxicant tablets and capsules, and Rs 500 in drug money, furthering the state's war on narcotics.