Bhilai Steel Plant – Police Probe Alleged Scrap Theft Network in Durg
Bhilai Steel Plant – Durg police in Chhattisgarh have launched a wider investigation after uncovering an alleged organised theft network linked to Bhilai Steel Plant, a major unit of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). The case involves suspected diversion of steel and iron material from the plant, which is protected by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and internal security systems.
Raid Leads to Major Recovery
The investigation began after police received information about suspected illegal storage of industrial material at A.K. Traders in Akalordih, Bhilai. A police team conducted a raid on May 26 and reportedly found steel scrap concealed beneath flue dust in several commercial vehicles.
Flue dust is an industrial by-product commonly generated during steel production. According to investigators, vehicles assigned to carry the material were allegedly used to move valuable steel items out of the plant without attracting attention.
Steel Material Found Beneath Industrial Waste
Durg Senior Superintendent of Police Vijay Agrawal said the group allegedly transported iron plates, beams and structural steel cuttings by hiding them beneath loads of flue dust. Police recovered around 250 tonnes of iron plates and beams during the operation.
Officials estimated the value of the recovered metal at about Rs 90 lakh. Several vehicles and machines believed to have been used in the alleged operation were also seized from the site.
Vehicles and Equipment Seized
The seizure included trucks, tippers, a JCB machine, a Hydra crane, a chain-mounted machine and five dust-sieving machines. Police said the combined value of the recovered metal, transport vehicles and equipment is estimated at more than Rs 3.50 crore.
Investigators are examining how vehicles carrying the material allegedly moved through security checkpoints at the steel plant. The case has raised concerns over possible weaknesses in monitoring systems at the facility.
Police Examine Larger Pattern of Theft
Police believe the recovery may be linked to a broader network operating inside and around the plant. Preliminary findings suggest that more than one group may have been involved in the alleged removal of steel and iron material over recent months.
According to the police, suspected gangs may have taken out more than 3,000 tonnes of steel and heavy iron during the past six months. The estimated loss to the public sector company has been put at around Rs 17.87 crore, though the final figure will depend on the ongoing investigation.
CCTV Footage Under Review
Durg Additional Superintendent of Police Sukhnandan Rathore, who is supervising the investigation, said the suspected network involved transporters, machine operators and scrap dealers. Police are reviewing CCTV recordings to identify the number of times vehicles allegedly crossed plant gates while carrying concealed material.
The inquiry is also looking into whether any employees, security personnel or others connected with transport and scrap handling had a role in the alleged activity. Police have not announced findings on possible involvement of any specific officials.
BSP Calls Matter Sensitive
Bhilai Steel Plant has described the matter as sensitive and said it would not comment in detail while the police inquiry is underway. BSP Senior Public Relations Officer Priyadarshi Amulya said the organisation considered it appropriate not to make public statements during an active investigation.
Police have arrested 13 people in connection with the case. They face charges related to organised crime and theft. Investigators said further arrests could follow as they examine financial records, vehicle movements and links between the accused.