Pune: Massive Electricity Theft of Rs 1.58 Crore Uncovered In A Single Day by Mahavitaran
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In a robust one-day campaign, Mahavitaran exposed unauthorized electricity consumption amounting to Rs 1.58 crore across 1152 locations in Western Maharashtra. This special operation aimed to curb distribution and commercial losses associated with power theft.
Under the direction of Pune Regional Director Ankush Nale, the campaign was carried out in the Pune, Solapur, Satara, Kolhapur, and Sangli districts. Beginning at 9 AM and continuing until late in the evening, inspectors checked power connections across various sectors, including household, commercial, industrial, and agricultural categories.
During the inspections, 256 cases were identified where electricity was being misused for commercial purposes, leading to the issuance of bills totaling Rs 58.19 lakh. Moreover, 896 instances of direct electricity theft, involving tactics such as hooking into power lines or tampering with meters, were detected, amounting to Rs 99.98 lakh in stolen electricity.
The breakdown of unauthorized consumption and corresponding penalties across the districts is as follows:
- – Pune district: 662 cases amounting to Rs 1.28 crore
- – Satara: 78 cases amounting to Rs 5.84 lakh
- – Solapur: 223 cases amounting to Rs 12.57 lakh
- – Kolhapur: 69 cases amounting to Rs 1.48 lakh
- – Sangli: 120 cases amounting to Rs 9.43 lakh
Under Section 135 of the Indian Electricity Act, 2003, individuals found guilty of power theft face fines and imprisonment of up to three years. Those caught are being issued fines and revised electricity bills, which must be paid immediately to avoid further legal action. Failure to settle these bills, especially in cases of direct theft, will result in criminal proceedings as stipulated under Section 135.
