The Surat City Crime Branch arrested two men from the Godadara area on September 19, 2026, in connection with the systematic theft of 155 traffic signal inverter batteries across 55 intersections. The thefts had reportedly been carried out since July 2026 and covered 15 to 16 different police station jurisdictions. Areas mentioned in the case include high-traffic locations such as Udhna, Vesu, Varachha and Pandesara. The scale of the operation, the method used by the accused and the involvement of multiple police jurisdictions have made this one of the more significant theft cases reported in Surat this year. The arrested men were later handed over to Khatodara Police for deeper interrogation.
How the Traffic Signal Batteries Were Stolen
The accused allegedly used a specific method to access the batteries installed inside signal control boxes. According to the case details, they posed as technical maintenance staff or Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) employees. They also wore uniforms to blend in while carrying out the activity during daylight hours. The alleged thefts were mainly carried out between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM. To access the expensive batteries, the accused reportedly used a custom master key or broke open the locks of signal control boxes. This method allowed them to operate without raising suspicion, as they appeared to be authorised workers going about their routine duties.
Batteries Were Sold to Scrap Dealers
The stolen inverter batteries were allegedly sold to scrap dealers. Each battery had a market valuation of around ₹5,400, but the batteries were reportedly sold for only ₹1,000 each. The difference between the stated market valuation and the resale amount shows the heavily discounted rate at which the stolen batteries were allegedly disposed of. This kind of quick resale is common in theft cases involving public infrastructure, where the accused prioritise speed over fair value to avoid getting caught with the stolen items.
Two Men Arrested by Surat Crime Branch
The arrested individuals were identified as:
- Rajeshkumar Ramasre Tiwari, 38
- Lalmani Harishankar Pandey, 32
Police intercepted the duo following a targeted tip-off. During the operation, several items were seized from them, which helped the Crime Branch build a clearer picture of how the thefts were being carried out. The arrests marked a significant step in a case that had affected traffic signal operations across a wide area of Surat since July.
What Police Recovered
The Crime Branch seized the following items:
- 6 stolen batteries valued at ₹33,000
- The master key used to unlock signal junction boxes
- A scooter (Activa) allegedly used to transport the heavy batteries
- Two mobile phones
The total value of the immediate items seized at the time of arrest was estimated at ₹1.48 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh. The recovery of the master key was particularly important, as it confirmed how the accused were able to open the signal control boxes without drawing attention. The scooter and mobile phones also provided leads that could help investigators trace the wider network involved in the thefts.
Case Spanned Multiple Police Jurisdictions
The alleged thefts were not limited to a single area of Surat. The activity reportedly covered 55 traffic signal intersections and extended across 15 to 16 different police station jurisdictions. High-traffic areas mentioned in the case include Udhna, Vesu, Varachha and Pandesara. The wide area covered by the alleged thefts resulted in the case involving multiple police jurisdictions, which added complexity to the investigation. Coordinating across so many jurisdictions required the Crime Branch to work closely with local police stations to piece together the pattern of thefts.
Accused Handed Over to Khatodara Police
Following the initial action by the Crime Branch, the suspects were handed over to the Khatodara Police for deeper interrogation. The further investigation is intended to trace the remaining stolen assets and locate the scrap dealers allegedly involved in purchasing the public property. The seized batteries, master key, scooter and mobile phones formed part of the immediate recovery following the arrests. As the investigation continues, police are expected to focus on identifying how many more batteries are still untraced and whether more people were involved in the operation.
Surat Traffic Signal Battery Theft: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Arresting Agency | Surat City Crime Branch |
| Arrest Date | September 19, 2026 |
| Arrest Location | Godadara area |
| Accused | Rajeshkumar Ramasre Tiwari and Lalmani Harishankar Pandey |
| Ages | 38 and 32 |
| Batteries Allegedly Stolen | 155 |
| Traffic Intersections | 55 |
| Police Jurisdictions | 15 to 16 |
| Theft Period | Since July 2026 |
| Main Areas Mentioned | Udhna, Vesu, Varachha, Pandesara |
| Recovered Batteries | 6 |
| Recovered Battery Value | ₹33,000 |
| Other Items | Master key, Activa scooter, two mobile phones |
| Immediate Seizure Value | ₹1.48 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh |
| Further Police Action | Khatodara Police interrogation |
What This Case Means for Public Infrastructure
The Surat traffic signal battery theft case highlights a larger concern about the safety of public infrastructure. Traffic signal inverter batteries are critical for keeping signals running during power cuts, and their theft can directly affect traffic management at busy intersections. The fact that the accused allegedly posed as maintenance staff shows how easily public trust can be misused to carry out such crimes. The case also points to the need for stronger monitoring of signal control boxes and better coordination between civic bodies and police to prevent similar incidents in the future. For residents, the case serves as a reminder that public infrastructure is vulnerable and that prompt reporting of suspicious activity can help authorities act faster.
Conclusion
The Surat traffic signal battery theft case involves the alleged systematic theft of 155 inverter batteries from 55 intersections across several police station jurisdictions. The Surat City Crime Branch arrested two men from Godadara on September 19, 2026. The accused allegedly posed as maintenance or SMC staff, used a master key or broke open signal control boxes, and sold the batteries to scrap dealers at heavily discounted prices. Six stolen batteries, a master key, an Activa scooter and two mobile phones were recovered, with the immediate seized items estimated at ₹1.48 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh. The suspects were subsequently handed over to Khatodara Police for deeper interrogation and efforts to trace the remaining stolen assets and the scrap dealers involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the Surat traffic signal battery theft case about?
A1. The case involves the alleged theft of 155 traffic signal inverter batteries from 55 intersections across Surat since July 2026. The Surat City Crime Branch arrested two men in connection with the thefts on September 19, 2026.
Q2. Who were the accused arrested in the case?
A2. The arrested individuals were Rajeshkumar Ramasre Tiwari, 38, and Lalmani Harishankar Pandey, 32. They were arrested from the Godadara area.
Q3. How did the accused allegedly steal the batteries?
A3. The accused allegedly posed as technical maintenance staff or SMC employees, wore uniforms and used a custom master key or broke open the locks of signal control boxes, mainly between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
Q4. What did the police recover from the accused?
A4. Police recovered 6 stolen batteries valued at ₹33,000, the master key used to unlock signal junction boxes, an Activa scooter used to transport the batteries and two mobile phones. The immediate seizure value was estimated at ₹1.48 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh.
Q5. What is the next step in the investigation?
A5. The suspects were handed over to Khatodara Police for deeper interrogation. The investigation aims to trace the remaining stolen assets and locate the scrap dealers allegedly involved in purchasing the stolen batteries.