Police recover two 250-KVA transformers, seize tipper & Scorpio used in thefts
Gurmeet Kaur
Jammu Tawi, September 26: Janipur Police have busted an alleged transformer theft gang and arrested five persons, recovering two stolen 250-KVA transformers and seizing a tipper and a Scorpio allegedly used in the thefts.
The action was taken in connection with FIR No. 161/2026 registered under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station Janipur on the complaint of Vijay Sharma, AEE, JPDCL Electric Sub-Division-II, Janipur.
According to police, technical surveillance and human intelligence were used during the investigation to trace the suspects. The five arrested persons have been identified as Mohammad Yunus, Zakir Hussain, Asgar Ali, Mohammad Yusuf and another person identified as Zakir Hussain in the police account.
Police said that during questioning, the accused allegedly disclosed their involvement in several transformer thefts in the Janipur, Bhalwal and Bajalta areas. Acting on their disclosures, police recovered two stolen 250-KVA transformers from the Ring Road area of Kot Bhalwal.
Daytime reconnaissance, night-time theft
Police said the alleged gang members used a Scorpio to identify transformers installed at isolated locations during the daytime. They allegedly returned at night and used a tipper to remove and transport the heavy transformers.
The copper and oil extracted from the transformers were allegedly sold in the scrap market for money, police said.
Police suspect that the arrested persons may be linked to other similar thefts in the district. The investigation is continuing to establish the role of other suspected members and those allegedly involved in purchasing the stolen material.
Police said further recoveries and arrests may follow as the investigation progresses.