The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has increased its efforts to fight electricity theft in Kalyan and Bhandup districts. Over the past nine months, 9,257 cases of theft amounting to INR 46.78 crore have been detected. Legal action has been initiated against 906 defaulters for nonpayment of dues.
Kalyan:
- In Kalyan Circle alone, 2,625 cases of direct hooking were identified, leading to losses of INR 4.66 crore.
- Additionally, 3,942 instances of electricity tapping and meter tampering were found, causing losses of INR 22.40 crore.
- Authorities also found 403 cases of unauthorized usage, resulting in losses of INR 2.23 crore.
- Police complaints were filed against 818 defaulters under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
Bhandup:
- In Bhandup Circle, 417 cases of direct hooking led to losses of INR 1.99 crore.
- Further investigations revealed 2,273 cases of tapping and meter manipulation, causing losses of INR 17.73 crore.
- Another 477 cases of unauthorized use were detected, totaling losses of INR 2.84 crore.
- Complaints were filed against 88 defaulters for nonpayment.
Electricity theft is a serious crime under the Electricity Act, 2003. Violators can face up to three years in prison, a fine, or both. In this case, an MSEDCL engineer was also detained on fraud charges during the operation.
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