Major power theft detected in Focal Point colony

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 23

Acting swiftly on a tip-off, the enforcement team of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) detected a major power theft by an industrial consumer in the Mahavir Jain Colony of Focal Point here today.

Besides imposing a penalty of Rs27 lakh, a case has been lodged against the garment manufacturer.

Sources said the consumer had connected heavy load of 45 kw through a power cable of 20-m length direct from the distribution transformer.

The consumer, who was running a garment manufacturing unit, has been penalised Rs27 lakh on account of power theft, and an FIR under Section 135 of the Indian Electricity Act, 2003, has been registered against the consumer.

“The involvement of the local PSPCL staff in the power theft was also being probed,” said PSPCL Chief Engineer, Enforcement, Jasbir Singh. He added that any official found involved would face strict disciplinary proceedings.

PSPCL CMD A Venu Prasad had already given clear direction to the enforcement wing for adopting zero tolerance towards power theft and corruption cases in the corporation.