Major Transformer Theft Ring Busted in Muzaffarnagar District
In a significant crackdown on organized crime, Muzaffarnagar police successfully dismantled a sophisticated gang specializing in the large-scale theft of electrical transformers and power transmission equipment. The operation, which culminated on Monday evening, led to the arrest of six individuals who have been terrorizing multiple districts across western Uttar Pradesh.
Dramatic Chase and Arrest Operation
The breakthrough came when a vigilant police team from Shahpur police station conducted routine checks near Babooji Filling Station at Nirmana Gate. Senior Superintendent of Police Sanjay Verma revealed that officers spotted a suspicious tempo traveling at high speed from the Muzaffarnagar direction. When signaled to stop, the driver made a desperate attempt to escape by ramming through police barricades and fleeing toward Shahpur before turning onto Nirmana road.
What followed was a dramatic chase that ended when the vehicle became stuck on a dirt road. The accused abandoned their tempo and opened fire at pursuing officers, who narrowly avoided being hit. Displaying remarkable coordination and restraint, the police team surrounded the area and apprehended all six suspects in a single, well-executed operation.
Extensive Criminal History Uncovered
During interrogation, the arrested individuals confessed to at least eight transformer theft incidents reported from Chhapar, Purkaji, Mansoorpur, and Budhana police station limits within Muzaffarnagar district alone. Background checks revealed an astonishing criminal record – a total of 115 cases, predominantly under Sections 136 and 137 of the Electricity Act, were already registered against the six accused across multiple districts including Meerut and Bulandshahr.
The police recovered approximately 220 kilograms of stolen material from the suspects, including valuable aluminium wire and transformer coils. The recovered items are estimated to be worth several lakhs of rupees, representing significant losses to the power infrastructure of the region.
Identities of the Accused and Legal Proceedings
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Jogendra alias Tina, resident of Wahlana in Muzaffarnagar
- Manoj alias Monu from Madarpura in Meerut
- Ahsan, resident of Loni in Ghaziabad
- Arvind from Meerut
- Saurabh from Meerut
- Shaukeen from Loni
Station House Officer Gajender Singh of Shahpur police station confirmed that all six accused have been sent to jail as further legal proceedings continue. The operation was conducted under the effective leadership of Superintendent of Police (Rural) Aditya Bansal, demonstrating coordinated efforts between different police units.
Modus Operandi and Impact
The gang specialized in stealing copper coils and electric wires by dismantling transformers from various locations across Muzaffarnagar and adjoining districts. Their criminal activities had created substantial disruptions to power supply networks, affecting both urban and rural communities. The police interception occurred as the accused were transporting the stolen material for sale, preventing further distribution of the illicit goods.
This successful operation highlights the ongoing efforts by Uttar Pradesh police to combat organized crime targeting critical infrastructure. The recovery of such a substantial quantity of stolen material represents a significant blow to transformer theft networks operating in the region.
