Ruling on Stolen goods

What do the esteemed scholars and respected muftis say regarding the following matter:
Previously, I was working in Kemari (Karachi) on a new dock project for ships, where I was providing services to remove excess soil, debris, etc., from inside the area using dumpers. During this work, I also removed some scrap material from within, which is estimated to be worth around one hundred thousand rupees. Now that the project has ended, it is difficult to identify or contact the owners of this material. At present, I am experiencing both financial hardship and spiritual weakness. I own a truck, but due to lack of work, it is lying idle. Previously, whatever I asked from my Lord, the Almighty, He would grant it, but now I feel distant from my Lord. Due to my financial condition, I am currently unable to return the value of that scrap. In such a situation, what is the ruling for me? And please guide me towards a way through which I can overcome both my spiritual and financial difficulties.

الجوابُ حامِدا ًو مُصلیِّا ً

The only way to be free from the evil consequences and punishment of the sin of theft is to return the stolen item to its rightful owner. If the item is no longer available, then its equivalent value must be paid. Alternatively, the thief should inform the owner, seek forgiveness, and the owner should willingly forgive him.
Therefore, the questioner should also do the same: he must try to find the person from whom he stole, settle the matter with him, and pay the value of the stolen goods. If he cannot afford to pay, then he should sincerely apologize and formally obtain forgiveness.
One must avoid making excuses or using tricks to consider someone else's property lawful for oneself. Instead, he should sincerely try to locate the rightful owner and make an effort to meet and reconcile with him.

مأخَذُ الفَتوی

ففي رياض الصالحين؛ وإن كانت المعصية تتعلق بآدمي فشروطها أربعة: هذه الثلاثة، وأن يبرأ من حق صاحبها، فإن كانت مالا أو نحوه رده إليه، وإن كانت حد قذف ونحوه مكنه منه أو طلب عفوه، وإن كانت غيبة استحله منها اھ (ص: 14)۔
وفي حاشية ابن عابدين: (قوله ويجب رد عين المغصوب) لقوله - عليه الصلاة والسلام - «على اليد ما أخذت حتى ترد» ولقوله - عليه الصلاة والسلام - «لا يحل لأحدكم أن يأخذ مال أخيه لاعبا ولا جادا، وإن أخذه فليرده عليه» زيلعي، وظاهره أن رد العين هو الواجب الأصلي، وهو الصحيح كما سيذكره الشارح وسنوضحه (قوله ما لم يتغير تغيرا فاحشا) سيأتي تفسيره بأنه ما فوت بعض العين وبعض نفعه، وإنه حينئذ يتسلم الغاصب العين ويدفع قيمتها، أو يدفعها ويضمن نقصانها والخيار في ذلك للمالك اھ (6/ 182)۔