Durg–Bhilai police say their probe into an organised network that stole scrap from Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) has uncovered property and jewellery bought with proceeds from the thefts, and the case has widened after key arrests. Three suspects whose seven-day police remand ended on Monday were produced in court and sent to judicial custody, officials said.

The operation dates to a raid on May 26, when officers acting on a tip-off searched AK Traders in Hathkhoj area of Bhilai and found large consignments of suspicious scrap loaded in trucks and hiwas — heavy iron plates, beam cuttings and other industrial scrap that matched materials missing from BSP, police said. Subsequent searches led to the seizure of about 250 tonnes of scrap; police estimate its market value at roughly Rs 90 lakh and put the total assets seized, including vehicles and machinery, at about Rs 3.22 crore.

Interrogation of the main accused, identified as Sanjay Singh, reportedly revealed that the illicit proceeds were invested in land, houses and gold and silver jewellery. A locker belonging to the alleged mastermind was searched and jewellery worth about Rs 50 lakh and documents linked to property worth nearly Rs 3 crore were recovered, police said.

Investigators told reporters they reconstructed the scene by taking suspects to the route from Khursipar Gate to SMS‑3, where scrap had been consolidated and loaded for transport. During the exercise officers also seized vehicles fitted with fake number plates, which were allegedly used to move the stolen material to the market, the statement said.

The case has already produced a growing list of arrests. Police had previously arrested nine suspects and sent them to jail; Sanjay Singh was arrested later from Deoria in Uttar Pradesh after a targeted search and was handed a seven‑day remand on June 16. Further questioning led to the arrests of Amit Sharma (aka Kailash Sharma) and Aakash Kumar Singh, police said. In all, authorities say 12 accused have now been detained in connection with the ring.

Durg district police said they are now mapping the accused’s investments — bank accounts, land records and properties — and preparing seizure (attachment) orders where appropriate. “We are scrutinising financial trails to recover proceeds of crime and will take legal steps to attach illicitly acquired assets,” an officer said.

Why it matters: the operation exposed how organised theft at an industrial plant can be converted quickly into legitimate‑looking assets, widening the harm beyond the immediate loss of material. Large-scale scrap theft from manufacturing hubs can disrupt supply chains, damage plant operations and create a market for crime proceeds that corrupts local trade.

What police will do next: officers said forensic accounting of seized assets and ongoing interrogation aim to trace the full network, identify buyers of stolen scrap and determine whether any plant insiders were complicit. The probe will determine whether further property attachments and criminal charges — including for organised theft, fraud and use of forged documents — are warranted.

Reeva Auto Driver Flees with Rs 15 Lakh Jewellery Bag, Police Recover in Hours

Swift Police Action

Reeva police foiled a brazen theft at Sirmaur Chauraha when an auto driver grabbed a bag stuffed with gold and silver jewellery worth Rs 15 lakh and fled. Victims Simpi Singh and her sister Suman Singh were en route to a wedding ceremony around 18 hours ago. Officers tracked and recovered the bag within hours, handing it back intact.

Victims Share Ordeal

The sisters boarded the auto near Sirmaur Chauraha in Reeva district, Madhya Pradesh. As they approached their destination, the driver seized the opportunity, snatched the bag, and sped away. Panic gripped the family once the women raised the alarm.

Valuable Contents Revealed

Sources indicated the bag held gold and silver ornaments valued at nearly Rs 15 lakh. The women carried these for the wedding event. Tension mounted in the locality as word spread, drawing crowds to the spot.

CCTV Footage Cracked Case

Superintendent of Police Shailendra Singh directed immediate action. Amhiya thana in-charge Shiva Agarwal led the team in scouring nearby CCTV footage. They identified the auto's number plate and traced the driver swiftly.

Bag Recovered Safely

Officers cornered the suspect hours later. The jewellery bag emerged unscathed from the recovery. Police returned it to Simpi and Suman Singh, who expressed profound relief. No arrests were detailed yet, but probes continue.

Background of Rising Snatches

Reeva has seen sporadic auto-related thefts amid busy wedding seasons. Local drivers often ferry passengers to events, creating snatch opportunities. Past incidents prompted tighter CCTV installs at key junctions like Sirmaur Chauraha.

SP Praises Team Effort

"Team's vigilance turned panic into relief," SP Shailendra Singh told reporters. Amhiya thana sources confirmed round-the-clock monitoring aided the breakthrough. No harm came to the valuables, underscoring efficient response.

Public Relief Spreads

Families and locals hailed the recovery as a win for public safety. Women venturing for functions now feel more secure with such prompt action. The episode highlights risks in casual rides during festivities.

Future Vigilance Planned

Police plan enhanced patrolling around wedding hotspots. More CCTV linkages and driver verification drives are on the cards. Authorities urge passengers to note vehicle details. This incident sets a precedent for rapid resolutions in Reeva.

Reeva auto driver theft cases like this grab attention in India news updates, but quick police recovery restores faith. As English news portal India covers such public interest stories, trending news India stays alert to local threats.