Massive Transformer Theft Plunges 300 Lucknow Homes into Darkness
In a brazen act of theft that unfolded in the early hours of Thursday, more than 300 households in Lucknow were left without electricity after a 440 kVA transformer was stolen from a residential area on the city's outskirts. The transformer, valued at approximately Rs 11 lakh, was targeted by a gang of thieves who meticulously removed its expensive copper binding before fleeing the scene. This incident has highlighted significant security lapses and raised concerns about public safety and infrastructure protection.
Details of the Theft and Location
The theft occurred in Rai Enclave, located in the Shivpuri area, which falls under the Chinhat substation in the Gomti Nagar zone of Lucknow. According to Chinhat sub-divisional officer A K Singh, the thieves dismantled the transformer and specifically took its copper coil, a component highly sought after in the scrap market due to its high value. The copper coil alone is estimated to be worth around Rs 9.5 lakh, making it a lucrative target for criminal elements.
Police Patrolling and Security Concerns
Singh pointed out that insufficient police patrolling in the locality contributed to the incident, allowing the thieves to operate with impunity. This lack of surveillance has sparked criticism from residents and officials alike, who are calling for enhanced security measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. The theft underscores the need for better coordination between law enforcement and utility departments to safeguard critical infrastructure.
CCTV Evidence and Discovery of the Crime
CCTV footage from the vicinity captured a group of men arriving in a Swift Dzire car and swiftly stripping the transformer of its copper winding. The theft came to light around 4:30 am when residents reported a sudden power outage to the Shivpuri powerhouse. A team of electricians was immediately dispatched to the site, only to find the transformer dismantled and lying open on the ground with its key components missing. This discovery prompted immediate action from authorities.
Response and Relief Measures
Following the discovery, the power department filed a written complaint with Chinhat police to lodge an FIR against unidentified thieves. In a swift response to provide relief to the affected families, the SDO's team restored power by installing a trolley-mounted 400 kVA transformer. This temporary measure has helped mitigate the inconvenience caused by the outage, but residents remain concerned about the long-term security of their power supply.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Steps
Police are currently examining the CCTV footage to identify the accused and track down the stolen components. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities vowing to take strict action against those responsible. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in urban infrastructure and the importance of robust security protocols to protect public assets from such criminal activities.
