Remember Bihar’s missing bridge?

While the theft of small communication equipment like batteries and cables is common, the complete disappearance of an entire mobile phone base station tower is truly astonishing, locals said. The biggest question is, 'How did this massive mobile phone tower disappear without anyone noticing? ' In a bizarre incident straight out of a movie, thieves in India's Bihar state have reportedly dismantled and stolen an entire mobile phone tower, leaving no trace behind. The 40-meter-high communication tower in Donrauni village of Bhojpur district, along with its diesel generator and other equipment, has mysteriously vanished, leaving the police baffled. According to a report by the Times of India, the astonishing theft came to light when officials from GTL Infrastructure Limited arrived for an on-site inspection. Although the tower had been unused and abandoned for years, the sight that greeted them was shocking. The massive structure was gone, leaving behind an empty plot of land. Company official, Vaijanath Ojha, immediately filed a complaint at the Donrauni police station, initiating an investigation into what is being termed one of the most audacious thefts in recent years. The tower was erected on land owned by one Harinath Yadav, who stated that his land lease agreement with the company expired in 2022. According to Yadav, he had not received any rent since 2017 and had even sent legal notices to the company after the contract expired. He denies any involvement in the tower's disappearance. However, the mystery doesn't end there. Company representatives further discovered that the diesel generator and other communication equipment had also vanished along with the tower. Local residents are also stunned. While the theft of small communication equipment like batteries and cables is common, the complete disappearance of an entire mobile phone base station tower is truly astonishing, locals said. Investigators suspect that a well-organized gang might be behind the theft. Dismantling and transporting a 40-meter-high steel structure would require heavy machinery, technical expertise, and a significant workforce. The police believe the entire operation could have taken several days to complete. Superintendent of Police, Kumar, confirmed that a case has been registered and detailed investigations are underway to apprehend the culprits. While this story may seem unbelievable, Bihar has witnessed similar incidents in the past. In 2022, a gang posing as government officials dismantled and stole an entire 60-meter-long, 500-tonne iron bridge in Rohtas district. Using gas cutters and excavators, they spent three days demolishing the bridge and transporting it away as scrap metal. Villagers, believing it to be an official government project, watched on, only realizing the truth when the "bridge workers" and the bridge itself disappeared together. With a bridge stolen in 2022 and now a mobile tower gone, it appears that thieves in Bihar are determined to prove that "no structure is too big for them to steal."