Jabalpur Electricity Department Intensifies Crackdown on Power Theft
In a significant enforcement action, the electricity department in Jabalpur has uncovered multiple cases of power theft, where consumers have been illegally utilizing electricity even after their connections were officially disconnected due to non-payment of dues. This revelation came to light during a comprehensive late-night inspection drive conducted on Thursday, highlighting persistent violations despite previous warnings and opportunities for resolution.
Strict Action Against Defaulters
Acting decisively against defaulters, the electricity department registered cases against 33 consumers, which included 15 major defaulters identified during the inspection. According to officials, these consumers had been given multiple opportunities to clear their outstanding dues, including benefits under the Samadhan scheme and the option to settle payments in six convenient instalments. Despite these measures, several consumers failed to make the required payments, leading to the disconnection of their electricity connections as per protocol.
However, subsequent inspections revealed a troubling trend: many of these disconnected consumers continued to draw power illegally, bypassing the official cutoff. This has prompted the department to take stringent action to curb such violations and ensure compliance with electricity regulations.
Departmental Efforts and Findings
Sanjay Arora, the city circle superintending engineer, provided insights into the department's approach. He explained that consumers with dues pending for three months or more had their connections disconnected as a standard procedure. To address the issue of ongoing theft, around 30 specialized teams were formed at the departmental level to verify and investigate such cases thoroughly.
During the intensive drive, these teams detected 33 instances of electricity theft. Notably, 15 of these cases involved premises where the power supply had already been officially disconnected, indicating a deliberate attempt to evade payment and continue using electricity unlawfully. The findings underscore the challenges faced by authorities in combating power theft and ensuring fair usage across the city.
Notable Case: E-Rickshaw Charging Station Raid
One particularly significant case emerged during the inspection, involving a premises in the Raddi Chowki area owned by Mohammad Shakeel Khan. Officials raided the location and discovered an e-rickshaw charging station operating using stolen electricity. The investigation revealed that the incoming service wire had been tampered with to draw power directly, bypassing the meter and official connections.
During the inspection, the team recorded an actual load of 13.528 kW, significantly exceeding the sanctioned load of 9.9 kW. At the time of the raid, four e-rickshaws were being charged using the illicit power supply. This case highlights the sophisticated methods employed by some consumers to engage in electricity theft, often for commercial purposes.
Legal Actions and Penalties
In response to these violations, the electricity department has taken firm legal action. A case has been registered under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, which deals with theft of electricity. Additionally, a theft assessment bill of Rs 3.76 lakh has been issued to the consumer involved in the e-rickshaw charging station case, along with a compounding charge of Rs 95,000.
Officials emphasized that such penalties are intended to deter future violations and recover losses incurred due to theft. The department remains committed to conducting regular inspections and taking strict measures against defaulters to maintain the integrity of the power distribution system and ensure that all consumers adhere to legal and ethical standards.
This crackdown serves as a reminder to consumers in Jabalpur and beyond to comply with electricity regulations and settle their dues promptly to avoid disconnection and potential legal consequences. The electricity department continues to monitor the situation closely, with plans for further drives to identify and address power theft across the region.
