Haveri: In a daring and shocking incident, unidentified thieves carried out a filmy-style robbery on National Highway 48 by stealing goods worth lakhs of rupees from a moving truck.
The stolen items included mobile phones and other high-value products belonging to e-commerce giant Flipkart. The incident came to light after the driver of the goods vehicle realised that several boxes were missing from the truck while on its way from Bengaluru to a Flipkart warehouse at Kotur village in Dharwad district.
Police suspect that the theft took place between Kakol village and Motebennur in Ranebennur taluk of Haveri district. According to the complaint, the goods vehicle owned by Mallikajan Mulla was transporting consignments from Bengaluru.
During the journey, miscreants allegedly targeted the truck and managed to break open the “linked device” used to secure the cargo. In a well-planned operation, the thieves reportedly climbed onto the moving vehicle and removed boxes containing expensive electronic items.
Investigators estimate that goods worth around Rs 25 lakh have been stolen in the incident. The stolen consignment included nearly six large boxes filled with mobile phones and other valuable products meant for delivery at the Flipkart warehouse.
Police believe that the crime was committed around 1 am when the truck was travelling on the highway with minimal traffic. The driver remained unaware of the theft until he reached the destination and noticed that part of the consignment was missing.
The incident has raised serious concerns over the safety of goods being transported on highways, especially during night hours. The daring nature of the crime, executed on a moving vehicle, has posed a major challenge to the police.
A case has been registered at Ranebennur Rural Police Station based on the complaint filed by the truck owner. Police have launched an intensive investigation to trace the culprits.
As part of the probe, officers are examining CCTV footage from cameras installed along National Highway 48 to track the movement of suspicious vehicles and persons during the time of the incident. Special teams have also been formed to gather technical and forensic evidence.
“This appears to be the work of an organised gang familiar with highway routes and goods transport patterns. We are investigating the case from all angles and are confident of cracking it soon,” a police official said.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing threat of thefts targeting goods vehicles on highways. Police have urged transport operators and drivers to remain alert and ensure better security arrangements for high-value consignments.
Further investigation is underway, and authorities are hopeful that the accused will be identified and arrested in the coming days.
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