BATHINDA: Irked over the theft of motors used to draw water in fields, residents of Pakhi Kalan village in Faridkot district found a unique way to draw the attention of the police and the alleged thieves to their plight. The residents put up a banner with a fervent appeal to motor thieves.
"With folded hands, we appeal not to go ahead with the theft of the motors. It is the time of paddy transplantation when motors are needed to draw water. Put up a scanner and we will deposit money in your account, because it seems there is no control of the government or the police over you," read the banner put up by the residents.
Village residents, including Simarjit Singh, said they are regularly facing thefts of motors from the village. Nearly 25 motors have been stolen in the past few months, which prompted them to make an appeal to the alleged thieves, with the aim of shaming them and also urging the police to take their complaint seriously.
The unusual appeal appeared to have an effect, as police late on Thursday arrested two people who confessed to stealing several motors, including from Pakhi Kalan village. The police also recovered tools used to open motors, cables and other equipment from the arrested persons, identified as Gurpreet Singh from Araianwala Kalan village and Simranjit Singh from Sandhwan village.
Kotkapura DSP Sanjeev Kumar said that "a case has been registered against the arrested persons at Kotkapura Sadar Police Station. They have confessed to involvement in theft cases in various villages across the districts of Faridkot, Moga and Muktsar, including Pakhi Kalan village." The DSP, however, said he was not aware of any banner appeal, but added that the police arrested the duo under an action plan against anti-social elements.
Background of the Thefts
The theft of irrigation motors has been a persistent issue in the region, particularly during the paddy transplantation season when water is crucial for farming. Residents expressed frustration over the lack of police action, leading them to adopt this unconventional method.
Community Response
The banner, placed at a prominent location in the village, quickly gained attention on social media, drawing sympathy and support from netizens. Many praised the villagers' creativity and desperation, while others criticized the authorities for failing to curb the crime.
Police Action
Following the arrests, police have intensified patrolling in the area and are investigating if the duo is linked to other thefts. The recovered equipment includes specialized tools that suggest a well-organized operation. Further investigations are underway to identify other potential accomplices.
