Lucknow, Oct. 22 -- Thieves stole a 250-kVA electricity transformer from the Papnamau area of Chinhat under the Gomti Nagar division of the Lucknow Electricity Supply Administration (LESA) on Monday night, after taking it down from an energised power line. They removed its internal components including precious copper, raising concerns over the security of electricity infrastructure and the department's monitoring mechanism. More than 500 houses in the area are now without electricity due to this act. The residents reported the matter of power cut to the substation but when the power staff went for repairs, they found the theft inside the transformer. The audacity of the theft, involving equipment connected to a live power line, has raised questions about how the culprits managed to carry out the operation without being detected. The incident also raises questions about whether regular inspections and monitoring of distribution infrastructure are adequate to prevent such thefts. Chief engineer Gomti Nagar Zone Sushil Garg said that the case warrants an inquiry into when the transformer was last inspected, how long it remained unattended and whether the department filed a police complaint promptly after detecting the theft. Officials also need to establish the value of the stolen material and whether any departmental negligence contributed to the incident. He said," I have directed the officials to start an inquiry and replace the old transformer with a new one. The JE has been directed to lodge a complaint with police."...