25 arrested for power theft
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 06 2024: With an objective to prevent power theft, Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) carried out raids at various locations and pulled up at-least 25 people on the charge of unauthorised use of electricity, including meter-bypass.

The power connection of such consumers has also been disconnected.

According to an MSPDCL, 25 statement, consumers from different areas were apprehended for indulging in power theft on Tuesday.

One consumer each from IED-IV Napet Palli area, IED-II Tera Sayang, IED-I Babupara area and IED-II Sangaiprou; two each from Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai, Lilong under Thoubal Division and Yairipok; four from Kodompokpi Lamkhai area under Bishnupur division; five consumers from Wangjing; and six consumers from Thangmeiband Tarung were rounded up during the surprise inspections conducted by MSPDCL staffers and officials on Tuesday.

Similarly, in another raid on Monday, one consumer from Kongpal Kongkham Leikai under IED IV; four from KR Lane and New Lambulane; two from Kshetri Bengoon, four from Sora Khunuta under Kakching division; three from IED-2 Lamboi Khongnangkhong; and seven consumers from Kumbi and Bishnupur sub-division under Bishnupur division were rounded up.

The statement announced that MSPDCL will continue to carry out similar drives to prevent power theft and disconnect service of the defaulting consumers.

According to Managing Director of the Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) H Shantikumar Singh, mass checking was organised in four valley districts with coordination of Manipur Police.

Unauthorised individuals were found indulged in illegally tapping MSPCL Low Tension lines and promoting theft of power.

Police have been requested to register FIR against all the delinquent consumers and promoters of unauthorised colonies who are responsible for causing loss to PSPCL by way of power theft, he said.

As per the Electricity Act, of 2003, illegal usage of electricity is a cognizable offense and the offender is punishable with imprisonment for a term of up to three years or with a fine or both.

The managing director also said that the campaign against power theft will continue in the coming days too and honest consumers should help MSPCL by reporting the incidents of power thefts so that the department's losses due to these wrongdoings can be curbed.

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