Police Bust Transformer Theft Gang in Srikakulam District

Visakhapatnam: Srikakulam police dismantled a major gang that stole copper wire and components from agricultural transformers across the district.

Speaking to media on Sunday, district superintendent of police K.V. Maheswara Reddy said they have arrested eight adults and two juveniles in Ranasthalam mandal for their involvement in 33 cases related to 53 transformers within the limits of JR Puram, Etcherla, Laveru, G. Sigadam and Kogunuru police stations.

Police recovered from the gang members stolen property valued at approximately ₹1.5 crore, including 350 kg of copper wire, 286 kg of copper ingots and five kg of aluminium wire.

Investigations started following a theft reported on November 1, when the gang targeted a 16 KVA transformer at Mahantipalem village in Ranasthalam mandal, stealing 12 kg of copper wire.

The mastermind of the gang has been identified as Kuppili Varaprasad, 23, an electrician. Police said Varaprasad recruited young men to assist in his operations. They sold the stolen materials in Visakhapatnam and shared the cash. The accused have been charged under Section 303(2) of the BNS Act.