Gang stealing critical 5G equipment from Airtel mobile towers busted

DIG Rajpal Sandhu, the chairman of the SIT which investigated the thefts told The Indian Express that a pattern of thefts from these mobile towers across state was noticed since the beginning of 2025. “Following the reports of thefts involving high-value 5G infrastructure, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted on the orders of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav. We worked in close coordination with district police units to apprehend the accused and make massive recoveries of stolen equipment,” said Sandhu.

Divulging details, DIG Rajpal Sandhu stated that the accused had specifically targeted high-value essential GUC1 Cards (Base Band Units), which are critical for the transmission of 4G and 5G signals. “The entire theft operation was executed in under two minutes, after which the culprits fled the scene,” he said.

The equipment being stolen cost between Rs 3-4 lakhs and was being sold off at throwaway prices of around Rs 20-25,000 to scrap dealers and other interested parties. Maximum thefts took place in Malwa region followed by Doaba and just a few took place in the Majha region, say police officers.

According to DIG Sandhu involvement of former technicians, labourers etc who had worked on these mobile towers has come to light in the course of investigations. “There were widespread reports of theft from these towers from Bathinda, Patiala, Sangrur, Ferozepur, Mansa, Ropar and Faridkot districts,” said Sandhu.

The DIG said using a combination of technical surveillance and human intelligence, Punjab Police has successfully busted the networks involved in these thefts. “Further investigation is underway to unravel the entire network,” said the DIG, adding that the SIT is also actively probing the matter to determine any potential insider involvement.

Punjab Police has warned all anti-social elements to cease such activities immediately or face strict legal action. With district police forces forming dedicated crack teams, further arrests are expected as the investigation progresses.