In a major breakthrough, Crime Branch Unit 6 of Pune Police has dismantled a gang responsible for a series of copper wire thefts from electrical transformers, which caused widespread power outages across rural areas.
According to police officials, the gang employed a calculated method: they drained oil from distribution transformers (DPs) to cut off electrical flow before stealing 75–80 kilograms of copper wire from each unit. Their activities disrupted power supply in multiple villages and affected businesses.
Based on technical analysis and credible information from constable Balasaheb Tanpure, the police arrested four suspects involved in the racket. The arrests led to the resolution of 12 cases of transformer wire theft, with stolen materials valued at Rs10.42 lakh being recovered.
Arrested Individuals:
Abrar Bilal Ahmed (24) – Resident of Jamuni, Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh
Aftab Niyamatullah Khan (32) – Resident of Borigaon, Uran, Navi Mumbai
Nafees Hameed Abdul (23) – Originally from Jamuni, now living in Kondhapuri, Shirur taluka
Mobeen Hameed Abdul – Resident of Kondhapuri, Shirur taluka
The accused were reportedly active for the past year, operating mainly in the Lonikand and Wagholi police station limits. In some instances, the thefts were so bold that the gang even tunneled underground to access the transformer base.
Police are continuing their investigation to trace the disposal network of the stolen copper and to determine if more individuals are involved.
