As many as 21 individuals have been apprehended for power theft on Monday, during a raid conducted at various areas in Manipur by officers and staff of Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL).
The team came across 21 individuals indulging in power theft and apprehended them, stated a release.
The apprehended persons include one consumer from Kongpal Kongkham Leikai under IED no 4; four consumers from KR Lane and New Lambulane under IED no 1; two from Kshetri Bengoon under IED no 3; four from Soro Khunuta under Kakching division; three from Lamboi Khongnang makhong under IED no 2 and seven consumers from Kumbi and Bishnupur sub-division area under Bishnupur division, it mentioned.
Mention may be made that MSPDCL has warned of conducting drives to check electricity theft in various places and had appealed to the public not to indulge in such activities. MSPDCL has announced that consumers found indulging in theft of electricity by means of bypassing prepaid energy meters, tapping of electricity without proper consent (paper-work) etc. shall be subjected to stringent legal action as per the Electricity Act, 2003.
It asserted that illegal usage of electricity is a cognizable offence and the offender is punishable with imprisonment for a term up to three years or with fine or both under the Act. It further warned that disconnection of power with no provision for reconnection in future may also be imposed.
It may be mentioned IFP had recently reported on the frequent power cuts in the state.
Meanwhile, office of the MSPDCL sub-station sub-division no 3 sub-station division no 1, Keishampat power house has informed all consumers of 33/11Kv Kangla and 33/11Kv Keishampat SS that there will be a planned shutdown on Tuesday from 7 am to 8 am for connection of RTU to existing 33Kv and 11Kv control and relay panels.
The inconvenience caused to the general public and consumers is deeply regretted, it added.
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