In the last eight months, 26 electrical transformers have been stolen in different areas of Sirajganj. As a result, thousands of consumers had to suffer and spend extra money.
An FIR has been registered in this regard but so far the police have not been able to identify the culprits involved in the theft of the transformers.
According to the Palli Bidyut zonal office in Tarash, 21 transformers were stolen from eight unions of the upazila from January to August this year. Five transformers were stolen on Thursday (September 9) night.
Many victims including Solaiman, Abu Saeed Mollah, Abdur Rashid and Sultan said that they had kept the transformer of their area chained to a pole due to the fear of theft. But, they could not prevent it from being stolen.
“Now more than fifty families are living in darkness. And many families will not be able to provide subsidy to bring new transformers. Most of us are farmers, van-pullers, day labourers.
We are in great panic now. However, if the police patrol is intensified at night, it is possible to prevent theft,” one of the victims said.
In this regard, the DGM of Palli Bidyut Samity (Tarash zonal office), Ashraf Uddin Khan said, “26 transformers have been stolen under the purview our office this year so far. We are filing cases, but the thief has not been caught yet.
I have informed the upazila administration and police in writing to prevent the theft. I have been raising public awareness in the area as well. The consumers have also been asked to be more careful. Yet, the incidents of theft are taking place.”
Tarash police Officer in Charge (OC) Fazle Ashiq said that the theft of the transformers is being investigated and efforts are being made to arrest those involved.
