STELCO Employee Injured While Preventing Transformer Theft in Hulhumalé

A State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) employee was attacked while attempting to intervene in a theft involving a transformer last night. The incident led to a power outage affecting the MPL flats in Hulhumalé.

STELCO Managing Director Hussain Fahmy confirmed the incident, stating that two individuals were involved in the theft. The employee had responded to reports of a power outage around 10 pm and discovered the suspects tampering with the transformer. During the confrontation, the employee was struck on the head with a wrench and required hospitalisation.

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I strongly condemn the violent attack on our staff member tonight, where he narrowly escaped permanent disability or even death after being struck on the head with a large wrench.

I assure all @STELCOMALDIVES employees that the bravery displayed by this staff member will be… https://t.co/MjIkfHvFjr— Hussain Fahmy (@HussainFahmy09) January 14, 2025

One of the suspects was apprehended and handed over to the police, according to Fahmy. He expressed concerns about the increasing frequency of transformer thefts, noting this marked the fourth consecutive day such incidents had been reported. Fahmy highlighted the risks associated with these crimes, not only to public safety and convenience but also to the perpetrators. He recalled a fatal incident last year when a man died from electrocution while attempting to steal from a transformer.

Fahmy assured that attacks on STELCO employees would be treated as serious offences and pledged to take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. In a post on X, he underscored the gravity of the situation, pointing out that such attacks could result in severe injury or loss of life. He commended the employee for acting decisively to address the theft and promised recognition for their bravery.