Reasi, March 8: Thieves allegedly cut CCTV camera lines and stole underground BSNL cables in the Poune market area of Reasi district during the night, police said.
The incident has raised concern as the cables had been recently laid to improve telecommunications connectivity in the area.
According to police, unidentified miscreants first disabled surveillance cameras by cutting the CCTV wires before digging out the underground BSNL cables.
Officials said the cables were later cut and set on fire by the accused persons to extract copper from the wires.
The act caused damage to newly installed telecom infrastructure and affected connectivity in parts of the area, officials said.
Local residents said the underground cables had been installed recently by BSNL as part of efforts to strengthen communication services in the region.
Police said a case has been registered and investigation has been initiated to identify the persons involved in the theft.
“Miscreants appear to have deliberately disabled CCTV surveillance before targeting the telecom cables. A case has been registered and efforts are underway to trace those involved,” a police officer said.
Authorities said teams are examining the area and collecting evidence to track the suspects. [KNT]
