Former Kia India Workers Face Probe Over Theft Of Engines

Vinayagamoorthy Veluchamy & Patan Saleem Are The Main Suspects In The Theft Of 1008 Engines From Kia India’s Factory In Arunachal Pradesh

Two former Kia India employees are under investigation over the accusation of theft of 1008 engines from the automaker’s factory. This theft took place over the last 3 years. However, the theft of engines worth USD 2.3 million, though a small figure for mass production automakers, has raised questions over interstate crime networks.

The engine theft was revealed after a review of internal records found engines sourced from Hyundai were missing. Initial police investigation identified a team leader and a head of section in the engine dispatch department as suspects. The two individuals illegally transported the engines using forged invoices and manipulated gate passes to get out of the factory.

The two individuals received assistance from two other people in transporting the engines. Additionally, investigators also observed two other scrap dealers who sold the engines to places like New Delhi. The South Korean brand also found discrepancies as it enhanced the inventory management process.

Vinayagamoorthy Veluchamy, 37, the former head of engine dispatch, is currently under arrest in police custody. He applied for bail and denied all the allegations levied against him. The former head left the company in 2023.

Outlook

Patan Saleem, 33, is the other person who is accused in the matter and worked at the factory from 2020 to 2025. Interestingly, no one knows his whereabouts, and his two phone numbers are not in service. It is important to note that authorities have not framed charges against the two suspects, as the investigation is at a preliminary stage.

Notably, such high-profile theft cases are a rare occurrence in the country. However, investigators need to expedite the investigation and file a charge sheet for the court to take cognisance of the matter.