In a significant effort to safeguard the region’s power supply, outsourced workers at the 132 kV Shamshabad substation in Vidisha district thwarted an attempt to steal the copper earthing strip from a live power transformer. The quick thinking, bravery, and dedication of substation operators Dhirendra Rathore, Niranjan Vishwakarma, and security guard Deepak Paul prevented the theft and averted a major power disruption in the region. The copper strip, valued at approximately Rs 4-5 crores, plays a critical role in safely grounding the high currents generated during faults at the substation, ensuring the safety of both the equipment and the workers.

 

If removed, the transformer would likely have been damaged, and the thief would have faced serious risks. Had the theft been successful, the Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company (MPTRANSCO) would have incurred a significant financial loss, and the power supply to the Shamsabad, Berasia, and Sirond areas would have been severely affected, especially during the crucial Rabi season. For their bravery and vigilance, the outsourced workers were recognised and honoured by Chief Engineer M P Patel, who commended their exceptional response in ensuring the safety and stability of the region’s power infrastructure.