Transformer thefts in Bagerhat cause widespread power outages

Transformer thefts in Bagerhat have been rising sharply, causing widespread power outages and leaving thousands of customers without electricity.

Over the last three and a half months, 22 transformers have been stolen from various areas, with most thefts occurring in Karapara union of Bagerhat Sadar upazila.

The financial loss from these thefts is estimated at around Tk20 lakh. The thefts have caused serious disruptions to electricity supply, affecting more than 4,000 customers.

According to Bagerhat Palli Bidyut Samity, three transformers were stolen in October, five in November, ten in December, and four as of 20 January this year.

The most recent theft occurred on 20 January, when a transformer was stolen from Darirsulpur village in Bagerhat Sadar upazila.

Each stolen transformer, which costs between Tk42,000 and Tk60,000, had an active power connection when it was stolen. The transformers range in size from 5 kVA to 50 kVA.

Locals expressed concern about the thefts, saying they suffer both financially and from prolonged power outages. After the first theft, they are required to pay the additional cost of replacing the transformer. If the transformer is stolen again, they must pay the full price. Only after the payment is made, the new transformer is installed, they said.

Sushanta Roy, general manager (GM) of Bagerhat Palli Bidyut Samity, said that thieves are able to climb electricity poles, remove the covers of transformers, and steal valuable copper wiring, leaving behind the transformer box and other components.

"Despite multiple police reports, none of the stolen transformers have been recovered," he added.

He also mentioned that on 29 December, a group of thieves attempted to steal a transformer in the Srighat area of Bagerhat Sadar upazila but fled, leaving behind their battery-run easy bike.

On information, they went to the village, recovered the easy bike, and handed it over to the police station. He believes that by tracing the easy bike, police can arrest the members of the thief gang.

The general manager urged police and the public to remain vigilant to help prevent further thefts.

Md. Rokonuzzaman Khan, president of Bagerhat Palli Bidyut Samity, expressed concerns about the frequent reports of transformer thefts from various areas.

He highlighted that consumers are financially affected and suffer when transformers are stolen, despite paying their bills regularly. He questioned why they should bear the cost of stolen transformers.

Khan also mentioned that during a board meeting last Tuesday, he had proposed the installation of CCTV cameras to prevent such thefts.

He suggested that, for now, locals may need to take measures to guard transformers at night.

He further demanded that if a transformer is stolen, it should be the responsibility of the Rural Electrification Board, not the consumers, to cover the cost.

Md. Touhidul Arif, superintendent of Bagerhat Police, said that transformer theft is a challenging task, as it requires skilled and trained people.

So far, 6 to 7 people have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the thefts. During this time, a battery-powered auto rickshaw used in the thefts was recovered from the suspects.

The police are following up on clues obtained from the arrested individuals.

He also mentioned that the Rural Electrification Board had previously trained some individuals, some of whom worked for a short time.

The police have sought the list of those trained from the Electrification Board. "Junk shops in various areas are under surveillance, and in addition to the local police, several teams from the Detective Branch (DB) are working to apprehend those responsible for the thefts," added the SP.

He also expressed optimism that those involved in the transformer thefts will soon be caught.