Gang held for stealing copper wires near Cheyyar

A six-person gang was arrested by the Cheyyar police in Tiruvannamalai for stealing copper wires from electrical transformers belonging to Tangedco in the area.

The arrested persons have been identified as E. Abhagam, 18, Dharani, 23, Mohammed Yakub, 19, V. Sivaji, 22, S. Arjunan, 18, and Moideen, 45. Apart from Moideen, a scrap metal dealer in Cheyyar town, three other suspects are involved in petty crimes in the area.

An initial investigation revealed that Tangedco officials found that copper wires in electrical transformers, especially those installed in agricultural lands to provide uninterrupted power for irrigation, were missing in at least 10 nearby villages in Cheyyar, Moranam and Dusi police limits.

Special teams have been formed to nab the suspects. A police team arrested Abhagam and Mohammed Yakub during a routine search on the Cheyyar – Kanchipuram route.

Police said the duo was brought to Cheyyar police station where they told the police that they were involved in the theft of copper wires. They also told the police that they were selling the stolen copper wires to a businessman, Moideen. A case has been registered. The police also recovered CZK 4,000 from the gang. The arrested persons have been lodged in the Tiruvannamalai Sub-jail. A probe is underway.

Published – 11 Jul 2026 0:46 IST