Pune: MSEDCL Uncovers Power Thefts Worth Rs 4.57 Crore
Pune, February 4, 2021: Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has cracked down on those who steal electricity by tampering with meters or putting numbers on power lines. In Pune, Solapur, Satara, Sangli and Kolhapur districts, in the last one and a half months, MSEDCL has uncovered power thefts worth Rs 4.57 crore in 1876 places. Criminal proceedings have also been initiated against these power thieves under Section 135 of the Indian Electricity Act.
Ankush Nala, Pune Regional Director of MSEDCL, has directed the officials to take strict action against the culprits in all categories including domestic, commercial and industrial. Accordingly, a massive campaign is being launched against power thieves. To further accelerate the campaign, Nala himself is guiding the MSEDCL teams by visiting various places in the campaign.
All the power thefts uncovered are being prosecuted under Section 135 of the Indian Electricity Act, 2003. In the case of power theft, criminal action is being taken against those who do not pay the full amount of the bill, including the penalty amount. MSEDCL has appealed to the public not to steal electricity which is risky but to avoid paying a large amount of fine or imprisonment in criminal proceedings people should take an official electricity connection. MSEDCL has informed that this campaign against power theft will be continued.
3.99 crore electricity theft in Pune district
In Pune district, mainly in Bhosari, Pimpri, Kothrud, Parvati, Kedgaon, Nagar Road, Padmavati, Rasta Peth divisions, power theft have been exposed. So far, power thefts worth Rs 3.99 crore have been detected in 1096 places in the district.
In the last four days, around 240 engineers and employees carried out an anti-theft campaign in Wagholi area, Tathawade, Pimple Nilakh, Hinjewadi, Bhekrainagar, Manjari, Undri Pisoli, Warje, Katraj etc. of these, power thefts worth around Rs 53 lakh have been detected in 142 places.
The Pimpri division uncovered 54 power thefts while the Padmavati division uncovered 51 power thefts.
The campaign was attended by Regional Director Ankush Nale, Chief Engineer Sachin Talewar, Superintendent Engineer Pankaj Tagalpallewar, Prakash Raut and Executive Engineers, Engineers and staff of the concerned departments.
