Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar circle has taken action in 3,453 cases of power thefts amounting to Rs 6.76 crore in the past nine months.
MSEDCL has launched a severe drive against power theft in the circle. Now, the company is lodging cases against consumers stealing electricity directly with the police. Hence, there is a panic among the people.
The drive against power theft has been implemented in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Jalna districts of the circle for the past nine months under the guidance of chief engineer Pawankumar Kachot. All the regional engineers, officers, and employees participated in the drive. The teams launched search operations in areas where the maximum power pilferage was reported from the electricity wires. It was found that many people are taking electricity directly from the wires, and at some places, electricity meters were tampered with.
During the period of April 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, a total of 3,453 cases of power thefts of 34,02,958 units amounting to Rs 6.72 crore were reported. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city, 379 consumers stole 6,05,583 units amounting to Rs 1.01 crore. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar rural, 2,241 consumers stole 14,31,420 units amounting to Rs 2.46 crore. In Jalna circle, 833 consumers stole 13,65,955 units amounting to Rs 3.25 crore. Cases were registered against 281 consumers with various police stations.
Kachot said that power theft is a serious crime and has the provision of three years imprisonment and a fine, or both. Hence, people should not use electricity illegally or steal it. The company will take stern action in such cases.
