Korba: In a shocking incident that has raised serious questions over law enforcement and public safety, scrap dealers have allegedly stolen railway tracks worth nearly ₹2 crore from the under-construction Gevra–Pendra rail line in Chhattisgarh’s Korba district. Despite repeated complaints by the executing agency, no FIR has been registered so far, prompting the contractor to warn that work on the project may be suspended due to security concerns.
According to officials associated with the project, the thefts occurred over the past 10 days at several locations falling under the Bankimongra and Katghora police station limits. The accused allegedly cut and removed large sections of newly laid railway tracks, along with other valuable materials linked to the project, in what is being described as an organised operation by scrap mafias.
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The Gevra–Pendra rail line project, spanning approximately 135 kilometres, is being implemented at a fast pace to improve rail connectivity in the coal-rich region of Chhattisgarh. The theft has come as a major setback to the project, which is already operating under tight deadlines.
Surendra Kumar, chief project manager of the private contractor executing the work, said that despite adequate security arrangements, scrap dealers have been operating fearlessly. “They are not only cutting and stealing railway tracks but are also threatening security personnel deployed at the sites. In several instances, they vandalised vehicles stationed at the project locations to create panic,” he alleged.
Kumar said the stolen materials include rail tracks and other expensive components, with preliminary estimates placing the loss at around ₹2 crore. “We are unable to continue work under such unsafe conditions. Our staff is frightened, and repeated incidents have made it extremely difficult to operate,” he said.
Complaints filed, but no FIR
The project manager claimed that formal complaints were lodged with the local police after each incident. The most recent theft reportedly took place in the Pankha Dafai area under the Bankimongra police station, where scrap dealers allegedly cut tracks during the night and also damaged a hydra machine used for rail construction.
“Despite providing details of the incidents and locations, the police have not registered an FIR so far. Instead, the matter is being delayed in the name of preliminary inquiry,” Kumar alleged, adding that the absence of swift police action has emboldened the scrap mafia.
The lack of an FIR has triggered concerns over accountability and enforcement, especially as the thefts are occurring in relatively open and accessible areas along the railway alignment.
Scrap mafia back in action
The latest incident has revived fears of a resurgence of scrap and diesel mafias in Korba district. For nearly a year and a half, illegal activities had reportedly been brought under control. However, over the past six to eight months, criminal networks appear to have regained confidence.
Earlier, the theft of an iron bridge over a canal located in the middle of the city had shocked residents. Even before that case could be fully resolved, the focus has now shifted to the audacious theft of railway infrastructure — a sector generally considered among the most secure.
In mining areas of the district, diesel mafias have allegedly gone to the extent of launching violent attacks on CISF personnel. The targeting of railway projects has further deepened concerns about the state of law and order.
Questions over protection and policing
The incident has sparked uncomfortable questions about whether scrap dealers are operating under political or administrative protection. Locals and project officials alike are questioning how such large-scale thefts could occur repeatedly without swift intervention.
“Who is shielding these groups, and why are police hesitant to act decisively?” asked a senior official associated with the project, speaking on condition of anonymity. “If such crimes continue unchecked, not only will this project face delays, but public confidence in the system will also erode.”
The contractor has warned that if effective action is not taken immediately, work on the Gevra–Pendra rail line may be halted, potentially derailing timelines and escalating costs.
As of now, all eyes are on the district administration and police to see whether decisive steps are taken against the scrap mafia or whether, as in previous cases, the masterminds manage to slip through the cracks.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
