ASHWANI SHARMA
Early Times Report
UDHAMPUR, Sept 2: Power transformers have emerged as a new target for thieves in Udhampur, with copper and other valuable components being stolen from two transformers at different locations during the intervening night.
According to information, the first incident took place near the Gol Mela area along the National Highway, where the power supply reportedly went off after midnight. Taking advantage of the darkness, thieves allegedly opened the transformer and removed copper components weighing around two kilograms.
A similar incident was reported from Muada Morh in Ward No. 17, where the thieves first disconnected the electricity supply before opening the transformer and stealing its copper components. The miscreants also damaged a solar streetlight, uprooted its pole and threw it aside before carrying out the theft.
The incidents have raised concern among residents, as tampering with transformers carrying high-voltage electricity is extremely dangerous. Locals have urged the police and Power Department to strengthen security around transformers and install CCTV cameras at vulnerable locations.
Following the incidents, a Power Department team reached the spots, inspected the transformers and initiated the process for registration of an FIR.
Arun Gupta, XEN, Power Department, said that such thefts are causing significant losses to the department. He stated that around 10 similar incidents involving theft of copper and other valuable transformer material have been reported this year. A similar theft was also reported on April 26.
Gupta said that the repeated incidents, despite previous cases being reported, have raised concerns over the need for stronger preventive and enforcement measures to curb transformer thefts in the city. |
