Pimpri-Chinchwad police have arrested three alleged members of a gang accused of stealing copper wires from electricity distribution transformers in Alandi, Chakan and surrounding rural areas, recovering material and equipment valued at about Rs 5.91 lakh. Police said the arrests have helped uncover six cases of distribution-point theft.
The arrests were made by the Crime Branch Unit 3 after a series of incidents involving the removal of copper wires from electrical transformers in and around the Pimpri-Chinchwad police commissionerate. The cases were reported from areas including Solu, Markal and Pimpalgaon, according to the report.
The arrested men have been identified as Mulshree Gautam Jaiswar, 45, Vinod Hariram Jaiswar, 40, and Manish Mahendra Prasad, 36. All three are residents of Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh, police said. The investigation was initiated after Police Commissioner Vinay Kumar Choubey directed the crime branch to trace those responsible for the repeated thefts.
Police said investigators used technical analysis of the surrounding areas and information from confidential informants to identify the suspects. After receiving information that individuals involved in stealing copper wires from distribution transformers were moving through the Markal and Pimpalgaon areas, the team laid a trap and detained the three men.
According to the police account, the suspects disclosed their alleged involvement in thefts in Solu, Markal and Pimpalgaon with the assistance of other associates. The recovered property includes stolen copper wires and equipment allegedly used in the offences. The total value of the seized material has been placed at approximately Rs 5.91 lakh.
Cases have been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Electricity Act. The accused have been handed over to Crime Branch Unit 3 for further investigation. Police are examining whether the group was involved in similar thefts elsewhere in Maharashtra or in other locations.
The case highlights the security risks faced by electricity distribution equipment in expanding urban and peri-urban areas around Pimpri-Chinchwad. Copper components in transformers have commercial value, while unauthorised interference with distribution infrastructure can expose workers and residents to electrical hazards. The police investigation will now focus on identifying the alleged associates, tracing the disposal of stolen material and determining whether the six cases form part of a wider network.
