BHUBANESWAR: In a series of incidents, miscreants – suspected to be disgruntled individuals penalised for traffic violations – have reportedly stolen materials from multiple traffic aid posts across Bhubaneswar.Police have registered at least three FIRs in connection with the thefts, lodged separately at Capital, Kharavel Nagar and Nayapalli police stations in the past one week.“It appears to be the handiwork of people with mischievous intent. We have filed FIRs,” said DCP (traffic) Tapan Mohanty.According to police sources, at least 10 of the city’s 35 aid posts have been targetted. Shockingly, all these locations are under strong CCTV surveillance.Traffic aid posts, which serve as temporary resting spaces for personnel, have been left in disarray. The thefts have caused significant hardship to the traffic personnel during the gruelling summer.“At many posts, tinted glass windows, sliders and fans have been stolen. In some, windows were smashed and fans broken. We are struggling in peak summer,” a traffic constable said.Another officer added that they are forced to move chairs to nearby shops after duty hours to prevent them from being stolen at night.Police said the incidents occurred late at night and efforts are underway to identify the culprits. “We are verifying CCTV footage. While the exact motive will be clear after arrests, retaliation against traffic personnel for fines cannot be ruled out,” an investigating officer said.
