MSEDCL Intensifies Anti-Power Theft Drive; 1,281 Cases Detected in Pune in 15 Days, Rs 81.55 Lakh Penalty Imposed
Pune, 18th July 2026: The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has intensified its crackdown on power theft in the Pune region, booking 1,281 electricity theft cases over the past fortnight and imposing penalties totalling Rs 81.55 lakh.
According to MSEDCL, the offenders were found to have stolen 3,40,730 units of electricity. The utility warned that those who fail to pay the penalties will face criminal proceedings under the provisions of the Electricity Act.
MSEDCL initiates action against power theft under Sections 135 and 138 of the Electricity Act, 2003, which deal with offences such as meter tampering and illegal power connections by directly hooking onto the electricity network. Consumers found using electricity for purposes other than those sanctioned are penalised under Section 126 of the Act.
The enforcement drive follows instructions issued by MSEDCL’s Director (Operations), Dhananjay Aundhekar, during a recent review meeting. Acting on the directive, Pune Circle Chief Engineer Sunil Kakade launched a special anti-power theft campaign across the region.
In the Rasta Peth Urban Division, a drive conducted between July 1 and 16 under the supervision of Superintendent Engineer Dnyandev Padalkar detected power theft at 375 locations. The offenders had allegedly stolen 90,799 units of electricity and were fined Rs 23.30 lakh.
In the Pune Rural Division, officials led by Superintendent Engineer Suresh Sawairam booked 580 consumers for stealing 1,36,930 units of electricity and imposed penalties amounting to Rs 29.82 lakh.
Similarly, in the Ganeshkhind Urban Division, Superintendent Engineer Sinhajirao Gaikwad led a drive that detected 326 cases of electricity theft involving 113,001 units of stolen power. The accused were fined Rs 28.42 lakh.
Mahavitaran said that since the beginning of the current financial year, from April to July, it has taken action against 2,283 power theft cases across the Pune Circle. The utility said the offenders had stolen 8,74,559 units of electricity, resulting in penalties of Rs 7.61 crore.
Appealing to consumers, Chief Engineer Sunil Kakade said electricity is a national asset and stealing it is a punishable offence. Besides monetary penalties, offenders can also face imprisonment under the Electricity Act. He urged citizens to obtain authorised electricity connections and avoid illegal power usage, noting that electricity theft also poses serious risks to life and property.
