Seized vehicle stolen from outside police station

In a startling incident that has put a question mark on the safety of impounded vehicles, a tipper truck seized in connection with an illegal mining case was stolen from outside the Kala Amb police station in Sirmaur district.

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The Rs 40 lakh vehicle was stolen a day before it was scheduled to be released following the order of a local court. Police sources said the truck, registered in the name of Randhir Singh, a resident of Narayangarh in Haryana, had been impounded by the police in an illegal mining case on May 18.

The court had issued release orders for the tipper on May 27, but it was found missing the previous night from the designated parking area outside the police station, where seized vehicles are kept.

Additional Superintendent of Police Yogesh Rolta said, “An FIR has been registered against unidentified persons under relevant sections and an investigation was underway.” He added that CCTV footage from nearby areas is being examined for clues and search operations have been initiated.

Emboldened by the lax police surveillance miscreants did not even spare a vehicle kept under police surveillance and due to be released the next day.

Truck owner Randhir Singh has submitted a written complaint to Superintendent of Police Nischint Singh Negi, seeking an immediate action for recovery of the stolen vehicle. “I have already suffered significant financial losses since the day the tipper was seized. Its theft from the police custody is deeply distressing,” Singh added.

Expressing his displeasure over the alleged negligence, he indicated that he may approach the court to seek redress. The truck owner has also demanded accountability from the police for the loss of his vehicle while it was under their watch.