Officers executed the targeted operation late on Monday, 14 September, recovering specialized break-in equipment and tools used to dismantle heavy electrical equipment.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Abinor, Selim, Suman, and Suman alias Nuru Mia—all residents of Nadagari village under Balijuri Union. The fifth suspect, Russel Mia of Gabergram village, serves as the General Secretary of Ward 3 Swechchhasebak Dal within Madarganj municipal town.

According to police records and local residents, more than 26 electrical transformers belonging to the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (Palli Bidyut) were stolen across several unions in Madarganj over the past two months. The rash of thefts left extensive rural areas without power, causing severe disruptions to daily domestic life and halting irrigation pumps vital for local agriculture. Following formal complaints lodged by the Madarganj Palli Bidyut Zonal Office, law enforcement officers launched an investigation that ultimately exposed the organized theft ring.

Addressing the involvement of a party official, Abdullah Al Mamun, Convener of the Madarganj Municipal Swechchhasebak Dal, stated that the organization would not take responsibility for any individual’s criminal actions. He assured that strict disciplinary action would be taken against Russel Mia if police investigations confirm his involvement in the crimes.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Madarganj Model Police Station, Snehasish Roy, confirmed the seizure of housebreaking implements and specialized tools during the initial interrogation. He added that police have petitioned the court for a seven-day remand to interrogate the suspects further, trace the ringleaders behind the syndicate, and bring all co-conspirators to justice.