Transformer theft worries Pabna irri-boro farmers

Stealing of power transformers is a major cause of worry for Irri-boro farmers in five upazilas of the district.
At least 121 transformers under the Rural Electrification Board (REB) Pabna-1 zone were stolen from Atghoria, Ishwardi, Chatmohar, Vangura and Faridpur upazilas last year.
REB sources said theft of transformers has increased in Pabna-1 zone area, but the real culprits are not being identified for negligence of law enforcers.
Five transformers have been stolen from Chatmohar and Vangura upazila last week, but police could not arrest any of the gang members as of today, sources added.
Of the stolen transformers, 29 are of 5KV, 74 of 10KV, nine of 15KV, six of 25 KV, two of 37.5KV and one is of 150KV, an official of REB-1said, adding that new transformers have been installed in place of the stolen ones in most of the areas.
Irrigation pump users are the worst sufferers as they have to pay money for installing new transformer, said Mirza KE Tuhin, assistant general manager of REB-1.
As many as 4,241 irrigation pumps in five upazilas of the district are run by electricity, but continuous theft of transformers worries farmers as the evil act by an organised gang badly affects their farming and causes financial loss, Tuhin added.
“A gang of thieves is active in REB-1 zone. They steal transformers from different areas at dead of night, taking advantage of police inaction,” an official of REB, Pabna-1 said seeking anonymity.
Contacted, Md Saiful Islam, officer-in-charge (investigation) of Chatmohar Police Station, said thieves take away transformers with the connivance of some dishonest REB men. “Since REB men are involved in stealing transformers, we often could not identify the real culprits.” the OC said.
Md Abdul Matin, general manager (GM) of REB-1, said cases were filed with police stations concerned for each of the transformer, but the main culprits are yet to be arrested.