Bangalore:
Ever wondered why the traffic comes to a crawl during power cuts in the city? Reason: traffic signals will not work during blackouts if the batteries have been stolen.
This was exactly the case with the traffic signals at Anepalya and Ashirwadam circle junctions on Residency road, which brought traffic to a lethargic crawl for hours.
Though the traffic police found the batteries missing from the signal units, they 'conveniently' assumed that they were taken out by BEL technicians - which manufacture the units - for repairs and allegedly did not bother to double check.
It was only after a fortnight that the cops realised that the batteries, worth Rs 45,000, were actually stolen.
In all, thieves stole six batteries from as many traffic signals at the areas mentioned. Ashok Nagar Traffic Inspector M Madegowda said, "Initially, we thought that the batteries might have been taken by BSNL or BEL staff for some reason. But when the situation worsened, we checked with the company and found out that they had not taken the batteries."
Madegowda has filed a complaint seeking to nab the thieves and recover the batteries. BEL is responsible for installation and maintenance of signals and according to sources, a constable deputed at the signal noticed that the battery was missing, but did not bother to follow up with the company.
According to the Ashok Nagar police, a professional gang seems to be behind the robberies and recently several cases of battery theft have been reported.
There are around 300 traffic signals fitted with batteries to ensure smooth functioning of the automatic signal system during power cuts. Around five cases of signal unit battery thefts have been reported in the city so far, a police officer informed.