Ludhiana: Transformer is stolen twice in a month, farmers in need

April 03, 2025 06:32 AM IT The transformer was stolen for the second time on March 28, causing an estimated loss of £ 3.5 lakh and causing farmers to struggle without power for irrigation; Junior Engineer Lakhwinderjot Singh said a new transformer was assigned, but farmers fear another theft in a shocking repetition of theft, crimes targeted Rampur Village near Doraha, who stole the same 100 KVA transformer that was previously stolen on February 19 and stole with the PSPCL on the second time. Loss of £ 3.5 lakh and the farmers are struggling without any force for irrigation. Farmers in Rampur expressed frustration when the stolen transformer provided electricity to Tubewells, which is decisive for crop irrigation before the harvest season. (HT photo) Farmers in Rampur expressed frustration when the stolen transformer provided electricity to Tubewells, which is crop for crop irrigation before the harvest season. Gurjinder Singh, a local farmer, said: ‘Earlier, when the transformer was stolen in February, we suffered for weeks without power. Now, within days of reinstatement, it’s gone again. How should we water our crops? ‘ Junior engineer Lakhwinderjot Singh said that a new transformer was assigned, but farmers fear another theft. “We received a replacement on Wednesday, but villagers are reluctant to install it without security measures,” he said. Jaswant Singh, Sarpanch of Rampur, blamed drug addicts for the repetitive thefts. “Junkies steal transformer oil, wires and equipment to finance their addiction. Despite complaints, police were insufficient,” he claimed. Jaswinder Singh, station officer at the Doraha police station, secured action. “We have received complaints and will strengthen patrolling to prevent further thefts,” he said.