The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has intensified its campaign against electricity theft in the Kalyan and Bhandup circles. Over the last nine months, the company uncovered 9,257 cases of theft amounting to Rs 46.78 crore. Legal complaints have been filed against 906 defaulters who failed to clear dues, while unauthorized usage worth Rs 5.07 crore has been detected, with 880 individuals facing action.
In the Kalyan Circle, MSEDCL identified 2,625 cases of direct hooking, leading to Rs 4.66 crore in losses. Additionally, 3,942 cases of meter tampering and electricity tapping were detected, causing losses of Rs 22.40 crore. Unauthorized usage worth Rs 2.23 crore was found in 403 cases. Police complaints were lodged against 818 defaulters under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
In the Bhandup Circle, 417 cases of direct hooking were identified, resulting in Rs 1.99 crore in losses. Another 2,273 cases of meter tampering and electricity tapping caused losses of Rs 17.73 crore. Unauthorized electricity usage worth Rs 2.84 crore was detected in 477 cases. Police complaints were filed against 88 defaulters for failing to pay dues.
Electricity theft is classified as a grave criminal offense under the Electricity Act, 2003. It is punishable by up to three years of imprisonment, a fine, or both. MSEDCL in its statements, has urged all consumers to avoid unauthorized or illegal usage of electricity and to opt for legitimate connections.
Electricity Theft Summary
