Transformer theft in India leaves residents in dark
Over 5000 residents in the Budaun district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh have been living without electricity for weeks after a 250 kVA transformer was stolen.
Image for illustration purposes.
India, Uttar Pradesh: Over 5000 residents of Soraha in the Budaun district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh have been living without electricity amid severe winters after a 250 kVA transformer was stolen over 3 weeks ago. The incident occurred in mid-December when inhabitants found the transformer dumped in a field, while its valuables such as copper wires, oil, and other metal segments had been stolen.
As investigation continues, no replacement transformer has been provided. Village head Satpal Singh told The Times of India, “The lack of electricity is affecting students’ studies, especially with the UP Board exams scheduled for next month. Without power, inverters and mobile phones are useless, and submersible pumps for water are not operational.”
Executive engineer Narendra Chaudhary said the department had taken steps to assist the villagers, adding: “A supply connection has been arranged from a nearby village to alleviate the problem. Most transformer thefts occur during winter, so we’ve sought increased patrolling from the police. A report has been filed, and we hope the police will solve the case soon.”
Villagers said this is not true as Pramod Gupta, a resident, commented, “The electricity department is providing false information. The power supply has not been restored, and we have been living in darkness since the theft.”
Ughaiti SHO Kamlesh Kumar Mishra commented, “The electricity department reported the theft on December 14, and an FIR has been registered against unknown persons. We are investigating the case and have received some leads. Mobile activity and CCTV footage from the area are being analysed. The nature of the theft, involving a live line, suggests possible insider involvement. We are confident the case will be resolved soon.”
Source: News18
