Kerala police intensify patrols to prevent transformer tampering

Police personnel on night duty in Ernakulam district have begun monitoring transformers and power infrastructure during patrols following recent incidents of alleged tampering. Officers now check whether fuses are in place when passing through darkened areas, rather than assuming scheduled power cuts.

The heightened vigilance follows incidents in Paravur, Tripunithura, and Adoor where unidentified persons allegedly disrupted power supply. In Paravur, an 11-kV feeder switch was opened, while in Tripunithura, fuses were removed from transformers and discarded, leaving residents without power for hours. Similar incidents occurred in Adoor on September 15.

Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph said the department has taken serious note of these incidents and those responsible will face stern action, with police taking necessary steps. The concern is particularly acute in isolated areas where tampering may go unnoticed.