Pune: Industrial Unit Caught Stealing Electricity Worth Rs 19 Lakh Using Remote Device in Bhosari MIDC
Bhosari, 5th August 2025: The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has uncovered a major case of electricity theft worth over ₹19 lakh by an industrial consumer in Bhosari MIDC. The customer had allegedly been stealing power using a remote-controlled device for nearly two years. In a decisive action, MSEDCL has recovered a total of ₹21.5 lakh, including a fine and compromise amount, and also seized the tampering equipment.
The crackdown followed instructions from MSEDCL Chairman Lokesh Chandra, who had directed regional offices to curb electricity distribution losses. Acting on these directives, Pune Circle Chief Engineer Sunil Kakade initiated an intensified anti-theft campaign. A special team was formed under the leadership of Ganeshkhind Circle Superintendent Engineer Sinhajirao Gaikwad and Bhosari Division Executive Engineer Atul Devkar.
The team, comprising Additional Executive Engineer Gajanan Jhape and electricity employees Harshad Lokhande, Somnath Gaikwad, and Mahesh Waghmare, conducted inspections at various industrial units in the area. During the inspection of Ganesh Pressing, a unit in Bhosari MIDC, the team discovered remote-operated equipment being used to bypass the electricity meter.
According to MSEDCL, the theft involved 77,270 units of electricity over a two-year period. The utility imposed a penalty of ₹19,19,362 on the customer and collected an additional ₹2,30,000 as a compromise settlement. All materials used in the theft have been confiscated.
This incident is part of MSEDCL’s broader push to clamp down on power theft across the state. Officials stated that such stern action sends a strong message to others attempting similar illegal practices.
