Paralakhemundi, July 22 (UDN): Police in Odisha’s Gajapati district have cracked a series of water meter theft cases that had troubled residents of Paralakhemundi for nearly a year, arresting one person allegedly involved in the racket.

The accused, identified as Bishnu, a resident of Gajendra Sahi, was taken into custody following an investigation into multiple complaints of water meter theft from residential areas. He has been produced before a local court.

During searches conducted at the accused’s residence, police recovered 15 stolen water meters along with a hammer, which investigators believe was used to remove the meters from outside houses.

According to the investigation, the accused allegedly targeted water meters installed along roadsides and outside residential premises. After stealing them, he reportedly dismantled the devices, extracted the brass components and sold the metal to scrap dealers for quick financial gain.

Police launched the investigation after receiving repeated complaints from residents about missing water meters. Officials said CCTV footage from the affected areas, coupled with intelligence gathered during the probe, helped identify and track down the accused.

Investigators are now examining whether the accused acted alone or had accomplices. The role of scrap dealers who may have purchased the stolen brass components is also under scrutiny.

Police said further investigation is underway to uncover the full extent of the theft network and determine whether the accused was involved in similar offences in other parts of the district.

The breakthrough is expected to bring relief to residents who had been reporting frequent theft of water meters over the past several months.