Nagpur: Power thefts of over Rs 52 crore were detected across the Vidarbha region by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) within the past six months.
The MSEDCL officials detected the power thefts by 1,273 power consumers. According to MSEDCL, the Deputy Director (Security and Enforcement) of MSEDCL conducted a special drive from April to September this year. In Nagpur region, 1,273 consumers were found to be stealing electricity.
According to the Electricity Act 2003, the Electricity Theft Detection Squad discovered irregularities of Rs 6.75 crore under Section 135 of Electricity Act and Rs 45.48 crore under Section 126 of the Act and other cases. Offences were registered against 98 power consumers at various police stations. The MSEDCL officials are regularly conducting vigilance drives. Vigilant citizens can contact MSEDCL and provide information about power theft. Names of vigilant persons will be kept secret, the MSEDCL said, adding that they would be entitled for rewards money.
The MSEDCL constituted 12 vigilance teams and three special squads to detect the power thefts. It may be mentioned here that the MSEDCL officials are trying hard to stop the power pilferage. The drive is being conducted under the guidance of Executive Director (Security and Enforcement) Mumbai and Deputy Director (Security and Enforcement) Sunil Thapekar.