A large-scale robbery at an under-construction power substation in Baraigram, Natore, has raised serious concerns about the security of critical infrastructure and the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies.
According to local sources, a group of 40 to 45 individuals carried out the attack on Tuesday evening. They tied up and assaulted the on-duty security personnel and systematically looted equipment worth approximately Tk 2 crore. The stolen items included copper wires, various machinery, and CCTV equipment.
The incident began around 7:30 PM and continued for several hours. However, police arrived at the scene at around 4:30 AM, raising questions about the response time of law enforcement.
Witnesses said the robbers used trucks to transport the looted materials in an organized manner, indicating that the crime was pre-planned. So far, no arrests have been made, and none of the stolen items have been recovered.
The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Baraigram Police Station stated that the police had not been informed in advance about the storage of such a large quantity of materials. His statement has drawn criticism, with many questioning whether the responsibility of securing important state infrastructure should depend solely on prior notification.
Security analysts believe the incident reflects a lack of coordination between project authorities and law enforcement agencies. They stress the need for stronger security measures and more effective monitoring, especially in critical sectors like power infrastructure.
The incident has caused public concern, raising fresh questions about the safety of state assets and the administration’s ability to control crime. Authorities have said the matter is under investigation, and efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest those involved.
Experts emphasize that ensuring accountability and strengthening preventive measures will be crucial in preventing similar incidents in the future.
Bengali 
English