Three Hundred Kilograms of Copper Stolen from Chandigarh Transformer in Two Hours

Late in the evening, a team of unidentified individuals arrived at a substation in Chandigarh and proceeded to dismantle a 500 kVA transformer, extracting a substantial amount of copper wiring and components. The operation was completed in roughly two hours before law enforcement arrived on the scene, suggesting a high degree of planning and familiarity with the facility’s layout. Preliminary reports indicate that the stolen copper could be worth several lakh rupees on the black market, providing a strong financial motive for the crime.

The theft has prompted the local electricity board to reassess its security protocols, including the deployment of surveillance cameras and the installation of tamper‑proof enclosures on critical equipment. Officials have also called for greater coordination with police to monitor the resale of stolen metal, a problem that has plagued many Indian cities in recent years. The incident underscores the broader challenge of protecting essential services against organized theft, which can lead to power outages and increased maintenance costs.

In the aftermath, the utility company has announced an accelerated schedule for replacing the compromised transformer, aiming to restore full service within a week. The episode may also influence policy discussions at the state level, where legislators are considering stricter penalties for metal theft and incentives for the use of traceable materials. If addressed effectively, the response could deter future attacks and strengthen the resilience of Chandigarh’s electrical grid.