Jaipur: A gang allegedly involved in stealing copper from transformers and solar plants across Rajasthan used Google to identify large solar installations before striking at night, police said after busting the gang on Sunday in connection with a copper theft at a factory in Govindgarh in Jaipur (Rural).Police arrested two men, detained a minor and arrested a scrap dealer who allegedly bought the stolen material. The gang is suspected of committing around 50-60 similar thefts in different police station areas across Rajasthan, police said.The breakthrough came during the investigation into the theft of copper from Vardhman Core Factory in Manda-Bhinda. According to the complaint, unidentified thieves entered the factory after 11pm on May 21 and fled with copper. A case was registered at Govindgarh police station for theft.Jaipur Rural superintendent of police Hanuman Prasad Meena said a special team was formed following directions to crack the case. The team, led by Govindgarh station house officer Vinod Sankhla, analysed call detail records, gathered intelligence and examined footage from around 150-200 CCTV cameras in Govindgarh and adjoining areas.Investigators traced Om Prakash alias Lala Bavariya (25) and Rajesh Bavariya (20) to Jaipur and arrested them on Aug 8 after allegedly establishing their involvement. A minor allegedly involved in the theft was subsequently detained.Police said the accused targeted transformers and solar plants for copper wires and plates. During interrogation, they allegedly revealed that they searched Google for large solar plants and then surveyed potential targets before carrying out thefts at night.Police also arrested scrap dealer Hasan alias Mahmood (31) for allegedly purchasing the stolen material. Some of the copper allegedly stolen from the factory was recovered from Om Prakash, Rajesh and the juvenile, while further material was recovered from Hasan. The SUV allegedly used in the crime was also seized.Police said Rajesh has six previous cases registered against him, while Om Prakash has one. Further investigation is underway to identify other members of the gang and verify their alleged involvement in thefts across Rajasthan.
