Former Kia India workers, scrap dealers face probe over theft of 1,008 engines

In a startling case of industrial theft, over 1,000 car engines were reportedly stolen from Kia India’s Anantapur plant in Andhra Pradesh. The theft, which allegedly involves former employees and local scrap dealers, has triggered a full-scale police investigation. The incident has raised serious questions about internal security lapses at major manufacturing units, especially in India’s fast-growing automotive sector.

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Massive Engine Theft Unearthed

Authorities have revealed that around 1,008 car engines, each valued at several lakhs, were illicitly removed from Kia’s premises over a period of time. The total estimated value of the stolen goods runs into several crores of rupees.

The engines are believed to have been smuggled out under the guise of scrap material, with the accused manipulating inventory records and vehicle movement data.

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Former Employees in the Spotlight

Preliminary investigations suggest that several ex-workers who were earlier associated with the logistics and warehousing departments at the Anantapur plant played a key role. These individuals, familiar with internal processes, allegedly coordinated with outside parties to bypass security checks.

Police suspect that this was not a one-off incident but a well-planned and ongoing operation that lasted several months before being detected.

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Scrap Dealers Under Scanner

Alongside former employees, local scrap dealers are also under scrutiny for receiving and possibly reselling the stolen engines. Some of the seized components were found in warehouses and scrapyards in the region, prompting raids and questioning of multiple dealers.

Authorities believe the stolen engines could have been diverted into the grey market or used for illegal vehicle assembly.

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Legal Action and Ongoing Probe

A formal FIR has been registered, and a special investigation team has been set up to trace the full extent of the operation. While a few suspects are in custody, others are still at large. Police have also sought assistance from Kia India to audit their plant’s inventory and logistics data.

The company has not issued an official statement yet, but internal reviews are reportedly underway.

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Concerns in Tier 2 Industrial Hubs

The incident has sparked concern in industrial regions, including Tier 2 cities where large automotive and manufacturing plants are often located. With many such facilities relying on contract and outsourced staff, the case highlights the importance of stronger background checks and security audits.

For cities like Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Coimbatore, which host growing industrial clusters, the case serves as a cautionary tale.

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Conclusion

The theft of over 1,000 car engines from a major auto manufacturer like Kia marks one of the most significant industrial theft cases in recent times. As investigations progress, the incident underscores the urgent need for tighter internal controls and vigilance across India’s expanding manufacturing sector — especially in regions where industries are rapidly scaling.