Duo arrested for stealing 16 ATM batteries worth ₹96,000

MUMBAI: The Tilak Nagar police have arrested two people for allegedly stealing 16 electronic batteries worth ₹96,000 from an ATM in Tilak Nagar.

The duo purportedly sold the batteries to a local scrap dealer for just ₹10,000.

According to police, they were having alcohol and after they ran out of cash, they went to a nearby ATM, stole the batteries and sold them. The duo has been identified as Hitesh Dilip Bhostekar, 25, a driver by profession and Rohit Prabhakar Dhuri 25, who does the servicing work of ATM machines.

On May 31, the two were drinking at Ghatkopar and wanted to buy more drinks. When they realised that they had no cash, they went to an ATM at Tilak Nagar to withdraw cash.

“However, they noticed that there was no balance in their accounts. Dhuri then saw electronic batteries kept near the ATM. They took the batteries to Shivaji Nagar, where they removed coils from them and sold it to a local scrap dealer for ₹10,000. Dhuri was aware of the value of batteries,” said Amol Ambavane, police sub-inspector, Tilak Nagar police station.

The bank manager, who found the batteries missing after two days then approached the Tilak Nagar police and lodged a complaint.

A case was registered under section 380 and 427 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

“After the case was registered we scanned the CCTV footage in which, the duo had been captured,” saidambaune.

Vijay Khaire, senior police inspector, Tilak Nagar police station said, “Both the accused are first-timers and apparently committed the crime under the influence of alcohol.”

He said that they have recovered ₹10,000 from them.

THE ARRESTED DUO SOLD THE BATTERIES WORTH ₹96,000 FOR ONLY ₹10,000