25,621 cases of power thefts detected during special drive

Mumbai, July 13 (UNI) A total of 25,621 cases of power thefts worth Rs 9.23 crore were detected in the state during a massive power theft drive, launched by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) in the period of one month, its Managing Director Dr Ajay Bhushan Pandey said here today.

First Information Reports (FIR) have been lodged in 2232 cases in various police stations across the state. Total amount of Rs 2.94 crore has been recovered in 2052 cases.

In Pune Urban Zone, the highest number of 8767 cases of power thefts have been detected followed by 3315 cases in Nashik Zone and 3916 cases in Beed, Osmanabad, Nanded and Latur districts.

A total of 2916 cases of power thefts have been detected in Nagpur Rural and Urban zones, 2180 cases in Kalyan Zone, 2838 cases in Aurangabad zone, 1071 cases in Kolhapur zone, 317 cases in Bhandup zone, 275 cases in Amravati zone and 26 cases in Konkan zone.

Cameras and video shooting were used to record the power thefts.

Raids are conducted in areas where distribution losses are more than 30 per cent. People's representatives, local administration and police are providing their cooperation for the drive, said Dr Pandey.

A team of 50 officials and employees was formed to conduct raids in the area where power losses are maximum. Ten police personnel and another 10 armed security guards are accompanying the team to maintain law and order during the campaign. The aim of conducting raids against power thefts is to reduce distribution losses.

Stringent provisions for imprisonment and heavy fine against power thefts are included in the recently amended Electricity Act 2003. The Electricity (Amendment) Act 2007 now provides an effective weapon to the MSEDCL against power thefts. Power thefts would now be made as cognizable and non-bailable offence. Hence it would be very difficult for the accused to get bail and escape from the clutches of the law, he added.

UNI