A daring robbery in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, led to the theft of approximately 1,500 iPhones valued at ₹11 crore from a container truck. The incident occurred on August 15 when the truck was transporting the phones from Gurugram, Haryana, to Chennai. The truck was reportedly targeted in Narsinghpur district, where the driver was allegedly drugged and gagged by the robbers.
Police Investigation Underway
Additional Superintendent of Police Sanjay Uikey confirmed the incident and stated that the claims made by the transporters are currently under verification. “Apple, which manufactures these phones, has not yet contacted the police. I am at the scene, approximately 35 kilometers from the district headquarters, and the videography of the truck is ongoing,” Uikey said.
The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the robbery, with a case expected to be registered once the initial probe is completed. The looting of such a large consignment has raised concerns, especially considering the scale of the operation and the possible involvement of multiple individuals.
Action Taken Against Police Personnel
In response to the incident, the Sagar zone’s Inspector General of Police, Pramod Verma, took disciplinary action against three police officers for negligence. The officers were accused of failing to register a complaint when the truck driver approached them after the robbery.
The Bandari police station-in-charge, Inspector Bhagchand Uikey, and Assistant Sub-Inspector Rajendra Pandey were “line attached,” a term used to describe being removed from field duties. Additionally, Head Constable Rajesh Pandey was suspended for his role in the negligence. These actions were taken after it was revealed that the officers did not act promptly when the truck driver sought their help.
Ongoing Concerns and Investigation
The robbery has sparked concerns over the safety and security of high-value goods being transported across the state. The police are now under pressure to recover the stolen iPhones and apprehend those responsible for the heist. Meanwhile, the actions taken against the negligent officers highlight the accountability measures being enforced within the police force.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to gather more information about the robbery and the individuals involved. The theft of such a significant number of iPhones is expected to have far-reaching implications, and the police are treating the case with the utmost seriousness.
