LUCKNOW, July 22 -- A spate of transformer copper thefts across Lucknow has emerged as a new cause of prolonged power outages, exposing significant security lapses in the city's electricity infrastructure. The recurring thefts have disrupted power supply in several localities while inflicting substantial financial losses on the power utility, especially during the monsoon season when uninterrupted electricity is essential. The latest incident was reported from Mayapuri Colony near Chaudhary Kheda in Kakori, where unidentified miscreants allegedly targeted a 400-kVA transformer on Monday night. They are accused of stealing the copper windings and transformer oil, leaving the equipment completely inoperative and disrupting power supply to the area. Power department officials lodged an FIR and launched restoration work to restore electricity at the earliest. The Kakori incident follows a similar theft in Rajajipuram, where miscreants allegedly stole copper windings and transformer oil from a distribution transformer. In February, thieves stole a transformer containing copper components from Rai Enclave on Deva Road in Chinhat. LESA Amausi chief engineer Ram Kumar said the repeated thefts indicate the possible involvement of an organised gang with technical expertise. He said the thieves appear to be exploiting poorly monitored installations and the high resale value of copper in the scrap market. A complaint has been lodged with the police, and further action is underway.htc...