Thieves leave bKash number to demand ransom after stealing power meters

In a bizarre case of theft and extortion, a gang allegedly stole eight electricity meters from different locations in Kushtia's Mirpur upazila before leaving behind a bKash number, instructing victims to send money in exchange for the return of the stolen meters.

The incident took place on Friday night (July 19) in the municipality's TNT Road, Zia Road and Thana Road areas, disrupting operations at several rice mills.

Among the stolen equipment were two meters from Mondal Rice Mill, two from Satyen Rice Mill and a three-phase commercial meter from Shukur Rice Mill, along with other electricity meters, bringing the total to eight.

According to locals, the thieves disconnected power supply under the cover of darkness before removing the meters. They then wrote down a bKash number at each location, claiming the meters' whereabouts would be disclosed once payment was made.

The theft came to light on Saturday morning when mill owners and workers arrived to start operations and found the meters missing. The affected mills have since remained shut due to the disruption in electricity supply.

Shahidul Islam Shahid, officer-in-charge (OC) of Mirpur Police Station, said, "No formal complaint had been filed as of Saturday, but police launched an investigation immediately after learning of the incident."

"Efforts are underway to recover the stolen meters and identify those involved," he added.

Kushtia Mirpur Palli Bidyut Samity DGM Ariful Islam said the gang effectively demanded ransom through the mobile financial service. One customer transferred Tk 6,000 via bKash and was subsequently informed of the location of the stolen meter.

Police have been notified and legal action into this matter is underway, he said.