Stolen BSES transformers recovered from Gujarat, 3 arrested

New Delhi, Aug 31 (PTI) Two electrical transformers,procured by power distribution company BSES and stolen lastmonth from Chandni Chowk area here, have been recovered fromGujarat and three persons arrested, police said today. The transformers, each weighing seven tonnes and wortharound Rs 60 lakh, were stolen from Chandni Chowk area on theintervening night of July 16-17 and a case of theft wasregistered at Lahori Gate police station by BSES seniormanager Subhash Chauhan. According to sources, the transformers were purchased forinstallation as part of the Shahjahanabad redevelopmentproject. On the analysis of the CCTV footage, police identified atruck that was parked where the transformers were kept on theday they were stolen. "The truck driver was picked up from Mewat in Haryana.During questioning, he provided information which led to thearrest of Niru Bhai, Asif and Shoeb, all residents ofBhawnagar in Gujarat," said DCP (north) Madhur Verma. Following which, accused Niru Bhai was questioned whorevealed that he had unloaded the transformers at his godownin Alang and later sold it to a scrap-dealer in KumberwadaAsif for Rs 9 lakh, he said. Asif was arrested and during interrogation he admitted tobuying the stolen transformers from Niru Bhai after paying himRs 9 lakh. On his instance the transformers were recoveredfrom a vacant plot in Kumbarwada, said the officer. Disclosures by duo led to the arrest of Shoeb, who hadforged sales tax papers for the transformers, in the name ofhis trading company, the officer added. PTI VITSMJ