Transformer Theft: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Police Bust Gang, Recover Rs 14 Lakh Stolen Copper & Lamination

The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Rural Police busted a gang of thieves who stole copper wire from a transformer worth Rs 10,50,000 and around 500 kgs of cargo top lamination worth Rs 2,00,000 from a company in Sillod taluka. The police have arrested five gang members and seized the stolen articles, two vehicles used in the crime, and other items, all amounting to Rs 14,13,800.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Irshad Naim Shaikh (31), from BoradeMala, Jail Road, Nashik; Naushad Alam Fazal Shaikh; Rehman alias Alam Fazal Shaikh; Rizwan Rahim Shaikh (all residents of Nashik); and Shaikh Mehboob alias Sharukh Shaikh Yousuf (from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar).

According to details, company owner Akashchand Gaurthakur had a food processing factory on his farm at Anvi Shivar in Sillod taluka. He lodged a complaint with the Sillod Rural Police, stating that some unidentified thieves had stolen copper wire from the transformer and lamination, all amounting to around Rs 12 lakh from his company.

Considering the seriousness of the crime, SP Dr. Vinaykumar Rathod directed the local crime branch (LCB) team to investigate the case alongside the Sillod Rural Police.

Through technical evidence and confidential information received from informers, the team identified the mastermind behind the theft as Irshad Naim Shaikh. The police arrested him from Nashik on March 29. During interrogation, he confessed to stealing the articles from the company with the help of his accomplices. The police then apprehended the other accused.

The action was executed under the guidance of SP Dr. Rathod and Additional SP Annapurna Singh, by LCB PI Satish Wagh, API Pawan Ingale, Lahu Thote, Namdev Shirsat, Shrimant Bhalerao, Ravindra Lokhande, Narendra Khandare, Valmik Nikam, Angad Tikade, Shivanand Vange, Ashok Wagh, Deepak Suroshe, Vijay Dhumal, Yogesh Tarmale, Jeevan Gholap, Nilesh Kude, Sanjay Tandale, Shivaji Magar, and others.