Major Transformer Theft Plunges Lucknow Residential Area into Darkness
A brazen theft in the early hours of Thursday resulted in nearly 300 households being left without electricity after a 440 kVA transformer was stolen from a residential locality on the outskirts of Lucknow. The incident, which occurred in the Rai enclave under the Shivpuri of Chinhat sub-station in the Gomti Nagar zone, has raised serious concerns about security and infrastructure protection.
Details of the High-Value Theft
The transformer, valued at approximately Rs 11,03,414, was targeted by a gang consisting of five to six individuals. According to authorities, the thieves meticulously dismantled the equipment to extract its expensive copper binding, a component highly sought after in the scrap market due to its resale value. The theft was executed with precision, highlighting the organized nature of the crime.
Chinhat sub-divisional officer A K Singh, in a statement to the media, confirmed that the thieves removed the copper coil before fleeing the scene. He pointed out that insufficient police patrolling in the area likely contributed to the incident, allowing the perpetrators to operate undetected during the vulnerable early morning hours.
Discovery and Immediate Response
The theft came to light around 4:30 am when residents experienced a sudden power outage and promptly reported it to the Shivpuri power house. A team of electricians was immediately dispatched to investigate, only to discover the transformer dismantled and lying open on the ground with its key components missing. The scene indicated a swift and calculated operation.
Following this discovery, the power department filed a written complaint with the Chinhat police, urging them to lodge a First Information Report (FIR) against the unidentified thieves. Authorities are now actively examining CCTV footage from the vicinity, which reportedly captured a group of men arriving in a Swift Dzire car and swiftly stripping the transformer of its copper winding.
Restoration Efforts and Ongoing Investigation
To provide relief to the affected families, the SDO’s team acted promptly by installing a trolley-mounted 400 kVA transformer, restoring power to the area. This temporary measure ensured that residents did not face prolonged disruptions, although the original equipment remains missing.
Law enforcement agencies are conducting a thorough probe to identify and arrest the culprits responsible for this high-value theft. The investigation focuses on analyzing the CCTV footage, gathering witness statements, and tracking the scrap market for any leads on the stolen copper coils. The incident underscores the need for enhanced security measures around critical infrastructure to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
