| 1 |
8359344 |
KATHRA WATER SUPPLY SCHEME |
8359344/01 |
Kaushambi |
Chaial |
Kathra |
431467 |
Kathra |
Theft |
22-Aug-2026 |
|
1. Incident Overview
A serious incident of theft, unauthorized entry and deliberate vandalism was identified at the Kathra Pump House. Based on the physical evidence observed at the site, it appears that the miscreants gained access to the pump house by approaching from the top through the manhole cover.
After gaining entry, the miscreants appear to have deliberately targeted the electrical and automation infrastructure. The extent and nature of the damage indicate that the incident was not limited to theft of valuable equipment/cables but also involved intentional cutting and dismantling of critical systems, which has resulted in interruption of the water-supply system.
2. Entry and Damage
Based on the site inspection, the following sequence appears to have occurred:
• The miscreants first gained access to the pump house through the manhole opening provided at the top of the pump house.
• After entering the premises, they accessed the electrical system and cut the power output from the stabilizer.
• The cables connected to the LT panel were deliberately cut, including cable terminations and associated connections.
• The RTU/automation panel was extensively damaged, with components, wiring and associated equipment damaged/stolen.
• Cables associated with the actuator, pressure transmitter (PT), cable tray and other field instrumentation were cut.
• Critical automation and communication wiring was damaged, making the system non-operational.
• The pattern of damage indicates that the miscreants deliberately targeted components necessary for operation and monitoring of the pumping system.
3. Nature of Damage
The following major damages have been observed:
1. LT Panel
o Cable terminations cut and removed.
o Power/control cables damaged.
o Internal wiring/termination affected.
o Restoration and re-termination required.
2. RTU/Automation Panel
o RTU panel extensively damaged.
o MCBS, relays and associated components damaged and stolen.
o Control wiring and communication connections damaged.
o Panel requires detailed inspection and restoration and replacement of damaged components.
3. Actuator
o Field cable to actuator cut.
o Control/feedback communication affected.
4. Pressure Transmitter (PT)
o Associated cable cut/damaged.
o Instrumentation signal is therefore unavailable.
5. Cable Tray
o Cables running through/along the cable tray have been cut.
o Several cable connections require replacement and re-termination.
6. Stabilizer
o Power output from the stabilizer appears to have been cut by the miscreants.
7. PLC/Automation System
o PLC-related automation system has been affected due to deliberate cutting/damage of associated wiring and control components.
8. Security/Camera System
o Camera system has also been stolen, compromising surveillance at the site. |
