Mahavitaran registers 906 cases

In a major crackdown on electricity theft, Mahavitaran's Kalyan and Bhandup circles have uncovered electricity theft worth Rs.46.78 crore over the past nine months. The power distribution company has registered cases against 906 individuals for avoiding payment of stolen electricity bills.

Between April 1 and December 31, 2024, Mahavitaran took action against 9,257 individuals, uncovering significant illegal consumption of electricity. In total, 906 consumers faced police action for refusing to pay fines related to electricity theft.

In the Kalyan Circle, the electricity theft crackdown saw action against 2,625 individuals, uncovering electricity theft worth Rs. 4.66 crore. Another major finding included Rs.22.40 crore worth of theft, which occurred through meter tampering or illegal tapping by 3,942 users. Additionally, the MSEDCL teams uncovered Rs. 2.23 crore worth of theft by 403 individuals. A total of 818 cases were registered under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003 against consumers who failed to pay for stolen electricity.

The Bhandup Circle also reported significant progress in tackling electricity theft. Action was taken against 417 individuals, leading to the exposure of Rs.1.99 crore worth of theft. In addition, 2,273 users were found to have illegally consumed Rs.17.73 crore worth of electricity through meter modifications or illegal connections. Mahavitaran teams further uncovered Rs.2.84 crore in electricity theft committed by 477 individuals. As with the Kalyan Circle, 88 cases were registered against people evading payment of stolen electricity.

Electricity theft is considered a serious crime and is punishable under the Electricity Act 2003, which carries a penalty of up to three years of imprisonment, a fine, or both. Mahavitaran has strongly advised against any unauthorized use of electricity, urging the public to ensure they have official electricity connections.