A cargo theft incident was reported in Bapatla district, where 255 laptops were stolen from a container truck en route from Mumbai to Chennai. The theft is believed to have occurred on August 23, but was only noticed the following day when the transport company filed a complaint. The container truck was later found abandoned at a dhaba near Medarametla village in Korisapadu mandal, with both the driver and cleaner missing and their mobile phones switched off. Authorities suspect their direct involvement in the theft.
According to police, the container truck was carrying 255 laptops and 150 printers. Four other trucks from the same company were traveling along the same route. Company officials had installed a door lock alarm system in the containers, which was triggered near Chinnakothapalli. When attempts to contact the driver and cleaner failed, the company’s representatives were alerted. They later discovered the abandoned truck, bearing a Haryana registration number, at the dhaba.
The company immediately lodged a complaint with the Medarametla police, prompting an investigation. Police estimate the value of the stolen laptops at Rs 95 lakh (USD 107,000), but note that the figure could reach up to Rs 1.8 crore (USD 204,000) once taxes are included. Special teams have been deployed to trace the suspects, while CCTV footage from district toll gates is being reviewed to track their movements. Investigators are also working on leads provided by the company regarding the missing driver and cleaner.
