BAREILLY: More than 20 days after a 250kVA transformer supplying power to Soraha village in UP’s Budaun district was stolen, over 5,000 villagers have been in darkness in severe winter cold, with students, farmers, and residents struggling due to the delay in installing a replacement.
The theft came to light on Dec 15, when villagers, during their routine walks, found the transformer missing. It had been stripped of all its valuables — copper wires, oil, and other metal segments — and dumped under straw in nearby fields.
A complaint was lodged at the Ughaiti police station. However, even as investigations continue, no replacement transformer has been provided. The delay in action has left villagers frustrated as they struggle with daily tasks and disrupted routines.
Village head Satpal Singh told TOI, “The lack of electricity is affecting students’ studies, especially with the UP Board exams scheduled for next month. Without power, inverters and mobile phones are useless, and submersible pumps for water are not operational.” Residents have repeatedly appealed to the electricity department and district officials for a quick resolution.
Executive engineer Narendra Chaudhary said the department had taken steps to assist the village temporarily. “A supply connection has been arranged from a nearby village to alleviate the problem. Most transformer thefts occur during winter, so we’ve sought increased patrolling from the police. A report has been filed, and we hope the police will solve the case soon,” he said.
However, many villagers dispute the claim of an alternate power supply. “The electricity department is providing false information. The power supply has not been restored, and we have been living in darkness since the theft,” Pramod Gupta, a resident, said on Monday.
The issue has also raised suspicions of internal involvement. Ughaiti SHO Kamlesh Kumar Mishra, told TOI, “The electricity department reported the theft on December 14, and an FIR has been registered against unknown persons. We are investigating the case and have received some leads. Mobile activity and CCTV footage from the area are being analysed. The nature of the theft, involving a live line, suggests possible insider involvement. We are confident the case will be resolved soon.”
