A disturbing trend of thefts of copper oil from power transformers has been reported across Ludhiana, causing significant disruption to the electricity supply and leading to heavy financial losses for the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). The thefts, which have occurred in various parts of the city over the past few weeks, have left many residential and commercial areas without power for extended periods.
Modus Operandi of the Thieves
According to police reports, the thieves target transformers located in isolated or poorly lit areas. They drain the copper oil, which is used for cooling and insulation, and sell it in the black market. The stolen oil is often mixed with other substances to increase quantity before being sold to unscrupulous dealers. The theft not only damages the transformer but also poses a serious risk of electric shock and fire hazards.
Impact on Daily Life
Residents have expressed deep concern over the frequent power cuts resulting from these thefts. Local shopkeeper Rajesh Kumar said, "We face power cuts for hours, which affects our business and daily activities. The authorities must take strict action against these criminals." The power outages have also affected essential services like hospitals and water supply systems.
Police and PSPCL Response
In response to the rising incidents, the Ludhiana police have launched a special investigation. A senior police officer stated, "We have formed teams to patrol vulnerable areas and are working with PSPCL to identify hotspots. Informants have been deployed to track the movement of stolen oil." PSPCL has also increased surveillance and installed GPS trackers on transformers in high-risk zones. Additionally, the corporation has appealed to the public to report any suspicious activity near transformers.
Financial Losses and Preventive Measures
PSPCL officials estimate that each transformer theft causes losses of around Rs 1-2 lakh, including the cost of repair and replacement. The corporation is considering the use of tamper-proof locks and alarms on transformers. They are also exploring the possibility of using alternative cooling oils that are less attractive to thieves. Meanwhile, scrap dealers have been warned against purchasing stolen copper oil, and strict legal action will be taken against those found involved.
The thefts have also raised concerns about the safety of the city's power infrastructure. Experts suggest that the problem requires a multi-pronged approach involving better lighting, community policing, and stricter regulation of the scrap trade. As the investigation continues, residents hope for swift action to restore normalcy and prevent further incidents.
