Store manager records statement in theft case

Sources say theft coincided with deployment of 450 security personnel

HARIPUR:

The store manager of a Chinese camp set up in Tarbela Dam, from where copper wires and valuable parts worth Rs25.4 million have been reported missing, has recorded her statement to the police.

According to the initial statements of the staff, the material went missing during the deployment of 450 new security personnel at the powerhouse.

In her written statement to the Ghazi police, the store manager explained that the main store is primarily divided into four sections: Dul 1, Dul 2, Power House 1, and Power House 2. Valuable spare parts and other expensive materials worth millions of rupees are stored in these designated areas. Each store is run by a separate storekeeper whose duties include the store's routine inspection.

The manager said that on October 9, 2024, senior storekeeper Adnan Zafar informed her that some wooden boxes in the Dul 1 store were found open. Upon inspection in the presence of the resident mechanical engineer, it was discovered that 176 copper stator top coil bars and 80 copper series connectors were missing, which amounted to a total value of about Rs25.4 million.

She stated that the Tarbela security officials, dam administration, local administration and police were immediately informed about the matter. She went on to explain that three security wardens are always stationed at the main gate of the store. No materials are released without a gate pass and vehicles are thoroughly checked when leaving the premises.

According to sources, due to the sensitivity of the case and to ensure transparent investigations, a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) comprising police and other security agencies has been formed, although the notification has yet to be issued. However, the JIT has already begun its investigation and on Sunday, they not only inspected the crime scene but also recorded the statements of the relevant storekeepers and interrogated a few other suspicious individuals.