Gangtok: A significant theft of telecom infrastructure has been reported in Malli Payong, South Sikkim, where equipment valued at over ₹22 lakh was stolen from a tower site operated by GTL Infrastructure Ltd. The missing items include a diesel generator, air conditioner, shelter unit, switch-mode power supply (SMPS), and other essential materials crucial to maintaining telecom services in the area.
The theft was discovered by GTL’s project team, which confirmed that no No Objection Certificate (NOC) had been issued for the removal or dismantling of the equipment. Following a petition filed by GTL executive Anand Mangrati, the Chief Judicial Magistrate of South Sikkim directed authorities to treat the incident as a formal criminal case. An FIR, Case No. 11/2025, has been registered under IPC Sections 447 (criminal trespass) and 380 (theft in a dwelling house, etc.) at Melli Police Station.
Investigators believe the theft may be an organised operation due to the scale and technical nature of the equipment involved. Early findings suggest the removal may have occurred over several days, possibly with local assistance or internal knowledge. The police are interviewing nearby residents and landowners while examining the possibility of forged documents being used to facilitate the theft.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to identify the perpetrators and recover the stolen equipment. The incident highlights the importance of securing critical infrastructure and the need for vigilance in protecting essential services.
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