GETCO High-Tension Wire Theft: 5,100 Meters Stolen in Olpad
A serious incident of infrastructure theft has come to light in Olpad Taluka, triggering concern and alarm within the power department. Unknown thieves have allegedly carried out a large-scale theft of aluminum wires from a high-tension power line operated by Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO). The theft, involving thousands of meters of wire, has raised serious questions about the safety and monitoring of critical public utilities.
According to information received, the incident occurred on a 66 KV high-tension power line passing through the Kudsad Village area. This power line runs alongside the road connecting Ghaludi village to Kudsad, and although the line was officially shut down, it became the target of organized theft. A staggering 5,100 meters of aluminum wire was allegedly cut and stolen, causing an estimated financial loss of approximately ₹1.85 lakh to GETCO.
Preliminary findings suggest that the theft took place sometime between 11 November 2025 and 1 January 2026. The long duration during which the crime went unnoticed has become a major point of concern. Officials believe that the absence of regular monitoring and physical inspection allowed the thieves to operate without fear, giving them ample time to remove such a large quantity of wire undetected.
The stolen material has been identified as ACSR DOG-type aluminum conductor wire, with a capacity of 100 square millimeters. This type of wire is commonly used in high-tension transmission lines and holds significant resale value in scrap markets. The sheer volume of the stolen wire strongly indicates that the theft was not a spontaneous act, but rather a well-planned and organized operation involving multiple individuals and specialized tools.
Following the discovery of the theft, Jigneshkumar Sureshbhai Varodiya, Junior Engineer at the Velanja Sub Station, lodged an official complaint at the Kim Police Station. The complaint names unknown persons as accused and states that government-owned electrical infrastructure has been illegally damaged and stolen.
Police teams have since visited the site and initiated a detailed investigation. Officers are examining the cut points on the transmission line, collecting technical evidence, and gathering information from nearby areas to trace suspicious movements during the relevant period. Local residents are also being questioned to determine whether any unusual activity was noticed during the last several weeks.
The incident has sparked debate among local residents and officials alike regarding security lapses around sensitive infrastructure. Even though the power line was inactive, experts point out that high-tension transmission routes require constant surveillance due to their strategic importance and vulnerability. The lack of fencing, patrols, or surveillance systems along the stretch is being viewed as a major weakness that thieves may have exploited.
Police sources have indicated that cutting and removing thousands of meters of high-tension wire would require significant time, manpower, and technical equipment. This further strengthens the suspicion that the crime was carried out by an organized gang rather than by an individual offender. Investigators are now focusing on scrap dealers and metal traders in nearby regions, as stolen aluminum wire is often quickly sold in the scrap market to avoid detection.
Authorities are also examining whether similar incidents have occurred previously in nearby areas or along other GETCO transmission lines. Records are being checked to identify patterns that could link this theft to past cases of public property damage. Coordination between the police and GETCO officials has been intensified to ensure faster information sharing and technical assistance during the probe.
The theft has placed both the power department and law enforcement agencies in a difficult position. While the immediate financial loss is estimated at ₹1.85 lakh, officials warn that such crimes pose long-term risks to public safety and power infrastructure. In active lines, similar thefts could result in fatal accidents, power outages, or damage to surrounding property.
Public reaction to the incident has been strong, with many residents demanding strict action against those responsible. Citizens have also called for improved surveillance mechanisms, including regular inspections, night patrols, and the use of technology such as CCTV cameras or drone monitoring in vulnerable transmission corridors.
As the investigation continues, the Kim Police have assured that all efforts are being made to identify and arrest the culprits at the earliest. Search operations have been intensified, and leads related to scrap sales and transportation routes are being actively pursued. Officials have emphasized that theft of public assets will not be tolerated and that exemplary action will be taken once the accused are identified.
The GETCO wire theft in Olpad Taluka has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger protection of government infrastructure. While the stolen wire can eventually be replaced, the incident serves as a serious reminder that public assets worth lakhs of rupees remain vulnerable unless proactive security measures are implemented.
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