Puthia, July 15 (V7N) - Puthia is currently facing a surge in meter theft. Over the past few days, meters from several pulse mills and sawmills in Banishwar and Belpukur have been stolen, with the perpetrators extorting money from the mill owners. On the night of Wednesday, July 10, meters were stolen from mills in Belpukur and Banishwar. The affected mills include Jahid Pulse Mill, Ayonal and Alal Pulse Mill, and the Banishwar Namaz village's pulse and saw mills.

Several other mills have reported meter thefts over the past few days as well. After stealing the meters, the thieves leave behind a note with a Robi phone number (01856 665 492). When the mill owners call this number, they are instructed to send 6,000 taka via bKash for each meter.

Desperate, the mill owners comply, and the thieves then provide information on where the stolen meters can be found. The mill owners recover their meters and reconnect them through the Puthia Palli Bidyut office.

Ahsanul Karim, DGM of the Natore Palli Bidyut Samiti Puthia General Office, commented on the issue, stating that the victims approached him, and he advised them to file a police report. He mentioned that tracking the phone number could help apprehend the thieves, whom he believes are part of a fraudulent gang stealing meters for extortion.

Saidur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Puthia Police Station, stated that no formal complaints have been received yet. However, he assured that legal action would be taken once a complaint is filed.

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