How Bhilai Steel Plant’s Vehicle Tracking System Was Bypassed

The Bhilai Steel Plant employs a Vehicle Tracking System (VTS) that attaches GPS devices to all incoming and outgoing trucks, intended to monitor movement and prevent unauthorized conveyance of materials. In the recent scrap theft case, the perpetrators discovered methods to neutralise this safeguard. Evidence shows that after trucks were loaded with flu‑dust and concealed scrap, the GPS units were often detached before the vehicles exited the plant yard, or swapped with inert devices to avoid real‑time tracking. In some instances, registration numbers were altered or the same GPS hardware was reused on different vehicles, further complicating traceability. Police recovered around 21 arrests, including senior plant managers, indicating that the manipulation required insider knowledge of the VTS protocols. The CBI, now overseeing the probe, will examine system logs, hardware procurement records and the chain of command to assess how the breach was orchestrated and to recommend robust safeguards against future tampering.