According to Ward No. 17 councillor Laxman Shrivas, the theft was discovered on Tuesday morning when residents noticed that a 70 to 80-foot-long iron railing installed along a canal for pedestrian movement had vanished overnight. Preliminary inspection revealed cut marks, indicating the use of gas cutters. Some severed portions of the railing were also found lying inside the canal.
The councillor said the stolen railing was meant to prevent accidents along the canal bank, which is frequently used by local residents. “Removing such safety infrastructure poses a direct risk to people who walk along this stretch daily,” Shrivas said, adding that the theft appeared to be well-planned and executed during the night.
Shrivas further alleged that thieves had also targeted an iron railing installed near a major pipeline passing through the area. The railing near the pipeline was reportedly cut using similar equipment. He warned that if the lower supports and iron angles were also removed, the pipeline could collapse, potentially triggering a major accident or disruption of essential services.
Repeated incidents of theft in the area prompted residents to convene a meeting, during which they unanimously decided to approach the Korba Superintendent of Police. Following the complaint, personnel from the CSEB outpost reached the site and initiated a preliminary investigation.
Confirming the development, Korba City Superintendent of Police Pratik Chaturvedi said a case has been registered on the basis of the councillor’s complaint and further investigation is underway. “We are examining CCTV footage from nearby areas and collecting technical evidence to identify those involved,” he said.
The CSP also noted that police action against illegal scrap trade has been intensified in recent weeks. He cited a recent operation in which Kotwali police sealed two scrap shops in the Raatakhar area and seized vehicles suspected to be linked to illegal transportation of stolen metal.
Local residents have demanded increased night patrolling and stricter monitoring of scrap dealers to curb such thefts. They also urged the civic administration to restore the damaged railings at the earliest to prevent accidents.
Police officials said efforts are underway to trace the movement of stolen material and identify the scrap buyers involved. Further arrests are expected as the investigation progresses.
