Meter tampering proves costly

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

A crackdown by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has exposed instances of electricity theft in various localities of Padegaon and Mitmita, where residents were found tampering with meters to consume power illegally. Cases have been registered against 15 individuals at the Cantonment Police Station.

During an inspection drive, assistant engineer Pradeep Nikam and his team visited Ansar Colony in Padegaon, where several individuals were caught manipulating electricity meters for unauthorised usage. According to MSEDCL, seven individuals were involved in power theft amounting to Rs 4.12 lakh.

In a separate case, eight individuals from Gulshan Colony, Shadabnagar (Mitmita), and nearby areas were also found guilty. Together, they accounted for electricity theft worth Rs 2.53 lakh.

Avoidance of penalties leads to legal action

All accused were issued bills and penalties for electricity theft. However, as they failed to pay the dues, assistant engineer Nikam filed a complaint, following which cases were registered against all 15 individuals at the Cantonment Police Station, MSEDCL officials confirmed.