2 held for stealing transformers, copper wire worth ₹4.35 lakh

The local crime branch (LCB) of the Thane police (Rural) recently arrested two people for stealing transformers and copper wires in Shahpur and Bhiwandi, and launched a search for arrest the gang’s mastermind.

Satish Gorakhne, 23, and Nilesh Malavkar, 27, were produced in court and remanded in police custody till May 12.

Though the accused were arrested last Friday, they confessed to stealing transformers on Thursday.

Based on their revelation, police recovered nine transformer and 365 kg of copper wire worth Rs4.35 lakh.the wire was recovered from the house of one of the accused. The two used to sell the copper wire.

Police officers said the mastermind, who is on the run, was a former employee Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (Mahadiscom) and knew how access transformers and copper wires. The accused then formed a group and lured Malavkar and Gorakhne with prospect of easy money.

Senior inspector Venkat Andhale from LCB said, “We had received complaints in past about a gang stealing transformers and copper wires Lead started patrolling the area in civil clothes. Acting on tip-of from our informers, we arrested Malavkar and Gorakhne las Friday.”

He added, “Both confessed to their crimes during interroga tion. However, they revealed about stealing transformers only on Thursday. We then raided their hideout and recov ered the stolen goods. They both were produced in court and were given police custody til