Thieves steal transformer, leaving 5,000 in darkness in UP’s Soraha village

Over 5,000 residents of Soraha village in Uttar Pradesh's Badaun district have been without power since December 14, after miscreants stole a 250kVA electricity transformer. The transformer was stripped of all valuable components, including copper wires, oil, and other metal parts, and abandoned in nearby fields. The theft, which rendered the transformer inoperable, has plunged the entire village into darkness, severely affecting daily life.

Villagers discovered the transformer missing during their routine walks and reported the incident to the authorities. Upon investigation, it was found that the thieves had dismantled the transformer for its valuable parts, which are typically sold on the black market. The theft has disrupted essential services, particularly for farmers who rely on electric pumps for irrigation and students preparing for the upcoming UP Board exams. The lack of power has rendered mobile phones, inverters, and submersible pumps non-operational, further exacerbating the villagers' hardships.

The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) has confirmed the theft and filed an FIR with the Ughaiti police station. While an alternate power supply has been arranged from a neighboring village to mitigate the immediate impact, villagers have reported that the alternate supply is insufficient. They have criticized the electricity department for not providing a more effective solution. "The power supply has not been restored, and we have been living in darkness since the theft," said Pramod Gupta, a resident.

The police are investigating the theft, with leads suggesting possible insider involvement, given the nature of the crime, which included the theft of a live wire. Investigators are reviewing mobile phone activity and CCTV footage from the area to gather more information and identify the perpetrators. As of now, no arrests have been made.

In response to the situation, UPPCL officials have assured that a replacement transformer will be installed within a week. However, residents have expressed frustration with the repeated thefts in the region and have called for stronger security measures to protect vital infrastructure. With the winter cold intensifying, the villagers are anxiously awaiting the restoration of power and a more permanent solution to prevent future incidents.