In a dramatic late-night incident, a security guard at a crucial power transmission facility in Gujarat's Vadodara district opened fire on a gang of alleged robbers, wounding one of them. The event has thrown a spotlight on the persistent threat of theft targeting electrical infrastructure for valuable metals.
Late-Night Confrontation at Power Substation
The incident unfolded on a Friday night at the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO) substation located in Karjan. According to police reports, a group of four individuals entered the premises with the alleged intention of stealing materials, specifically copper, which commands high prices in the scrap market. The security personnel on duty confronted the intruders.
The situation escalated when the gang reportedly began pelting stones at the guards. In response, and acting in self-defence, one of the guards discharged his firearm. The shot struck one of the alleged robbers in the arm.
Aftermath and Police Investigation
The injured man was identified as 24-year-old Krish Vijay. He was promptly taken to SSG Hospital in Vadodara for treatment. His three accomplices, however, managed to flee the scene under the cover of darkness.
Acting on the complaint, the Karjan police registered a case on Saturday. Krish Vijay and four others were named as accused in the First Information Report (FIR). Police later apprehended one more suspect, but two remain at large. Vadodara district Superintendent of Police, Sushil Agarwal, stated, "We have established the identities of the two suspects on the run and are making efforts to trace them." He further revealed that Krish and some of the other accused have previous criminal records.
Ongoing Challenge of Infrastructure Theft
The security guard involved in the shooting was employed by a private agency contracted by GETCO and holds a valid firearm licence. This incident underscores a significant challenge faced by power utilities across the region.
Police officials highlighted that power facilities are frequently targeted by thieves due to the presence of valuable materials like copper and aluminium. The stolen metal is often sold in the grey market for quick profit, causing substantial financial losses and posing serious risks to the reliability of the power grid.
This event in Karjan serves as a stark reminder of the dangers security personnel face and the ongoing battle against organised theft from critical public infrastructure.
