Eight Copper Transformers Stolen in Six Months; Police Close Eight Cases

Over the last half‑year, a criminal group operating across state lines stole eight copper‑lined electrical transformers from various localities around Pune. The thefts spanned Wadgaon, Ashtapur, Sangvi Sanda, Nhavi Sanda and Hingangav, all falling under Lonikand police station’s jurisdiction. Pune’s Crime Branch, acting on a tip to Constable Vinayak Salve, launched a focused operation that culminated in the capture of three suspects on Tuesday. The arrested individuals – Mohammed Sahebjan Mangrekhan, Aadarsa Chandraprakash Pandey and Chandrasen Shivratna Dharia – confessed to the robberies and the possession of ₹12.73 lakh in cash. Their arrests have enabled authorities to settle eight criminal cases filed under Section 324(4) of the IPC and Section 136 of the Electricity Act. The investigation is still probing the extent of the network and tracing the final buyers of the pilfered copper.