Kendujhar: Kendujhar police have busted an inter-state transformer theft racket and arrested 16 persons allegedly involved in stealing transformers and electrical equipment across six districts of Odisha, police said.
The accused were allegedly involved in stealing transformers, copper coils, aluminium and copper wires and other electrical equipment from Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, Anugola, Dhenkanal and Kataka districts.
According to police, the gang’s activities came to light during an investigation into a series of transformer thefts reported in the district. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused were allegedly linked to thefts at 20 locations in Kendujhar district alone.
Following the leads gathered during the investigation, special police teams conducted raids at several locations, including Duburi, Jajpur Road, Chandikhol, Barchana and Bhuban.
The raids led to the apprehension of 16 persons allegedly involved in the racket. Police are now questioning the accused to ascertain their roles and identify others who may have been part of the network.
Investigators are also probing whether the stolen transformers and electrical components were dismantled and sold as scrap or whether they were supplied to other buyers.
The accused were produced before a court on Thursday.
Police said further investigation is underway to establish the full extent of the racket and trace the stolen electrical equipment.
