Police bust gang stealing copper from transformers in Pune
Police bust gang stealing copper from transformers in Pune
The Mahalunge MIDC police have effectively busted a group that was stealing copper wires from transformers. A total of Rs 8 lakh worth of copper wires and strips weighing 340 kg were seized during the operation. Two more people who bought the stolen items have also been taken into custody. The incidence of copper wire thefts has caused significant losses for farmers and industrial estates.
The investigation showed that the gang kept an eye on transformers in remote agricultural and industrial areas, somehow turned off the transformer, waited for it to cool down, and stole the copper wires after the oil had cooled.
The arrested suspects include Ramesh alias Rahul Balu Padwal (27), Sunil alias Sairat Shivaji Gawde (21), Sunil Suresh Gawde (23), and Ravindra Suresh Gawde (23), all residents of Nimgaon Dawdi, Khed. Also apprehended were Usman Bilal Abdul Abbuhrera (20) from Huntsman Chowk, Bhamboli, Khed, and Kartik Namdev Pawar (25) from Rakshewadi, Khed.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr Shivaji Pawar explained that the Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Limited (MSEDCL) had installed transformers for agricultural and industrial use in rural areas under the Mahalunge MIDC jurisdiction.
Because these thefts occurred in remote areas, finding witnesses was difficult, which made the investigation more complicated. Despite this, Assistant Police Inspector Kalyan Ghadge and his team carefully looked into the technical details and were able to arrest several suspects. The accused later admitted to stealing copper wires from the transformers. The police not only recovered the stolen copper wires and strips but also the tools used in the theft, such as blades, pliers, and hammers, along with vehicles like Indica cars and stolen two-wheelers.
The accused, Ramesh Padwal has 16 theft cases against him in different police stations of Ahmednagar and Pune, while Sunil Gawde has three previous theft cases.
Under the direction of Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey and his senior team, including Joint Commissioner Dr Shashikant Mahavarkar and Deputy Commissioner (Crime) Sandeep Doifode, a comprehensive operation was carried out. Senior PI Nitin Gite, API Kalyan Ghadge, and their team of constables were instrumental in executing the successful arrests.
The Mahalunge MIDC police station has resolved nine cases related to transformer thefts and three vehicle theft cases in the Mahalunge MIDC, Chakan, and Hinjewadi areas.
