Eta Police Nab Transformer Thieves After Midnight Shootout

Eta police achieved a major breakthrough when they intercepted two men attempting to flee after looting a transformer in Kotwali Nagar area. The confrontation turned violent around midnight on Wednesday when the suspects, riding an unmarked motorcycle, fired at the checking team near a pond on Ganjdundwara Road. Return fire from officers wounded one criminal in the leg, forcing him to the ground. His companion was caught on the spot. A thorough search yielded two unlicensed firearms, live and spent ammunition, tools used for dismantling electrical equipment, and cash. Investigators confirmed that the stolen copper, oil, and wires originated from a transformer installed near the local vegetable market. Police suspect the arrested men are part of a larger gang involved in repeated thefts of power infrastructure across Eta and neighboring districts. SSP Shwetabh Pandey emphasized that sustained questioning will help link the duo to earlier cases reported in Kotwali Dehat. Both accused have been booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act. The injured suspect, identified as Keshav from Aligarh, received medical attention before being shifted to police custody.