Five individuals, including a former Sri Lankan Navy sailor, have been arrested in connection with the systematic theft of batteries from telecommunications towers across Jaffna.
The arrests follow a spate of thefts targeting batteries installed on mobile telecom towers, which form a crucial part of the region’s communication network. Following complaints filed by affected companies at local police stations, an investigation was launched under the direction of the Officer-in-Charge of the occupying Sri Lankan police station in Kopay.
Intelligence received during the inquiry indicated that the suspects were in hiding in Amparai, in the island’s East. A special police team was deployed to the location, leading to the arrest of all five individuals.
During questioning, it was revealed that one of the accused is a former member of the Sri Lankan Navy, while another had reportedly purchased the stolen batteries. The remaining three suspects are believed to have directly assisted in the thefts.
According to the police, at least 192 batteries were stolen from towers in the Jaffna region alone, with each unit valued at over LKR 100,000. The thefts appear to have been part of a coordinated and ongoing operation.
The involvement of a former Sri Lankan naval officer in the theft comes amidst a spike in crimes involving Sri Lankan current and former soldiers, including a spate of murders across the South.
In the Tamil North-East, the military retains a dominant occupying presence, making the region one of the most militarised places in the world per capita.
While police have confirmed the arrests, no details have yet been provided regarding whether the suspects will face formal charges, or how restitution will be made for the damage inflicted on the region’s communication network.
