By TC News Desk
Agartala, 24th January 2024: Electricity theft is a serious offence that can not only invite legal action, but also endanger lives. Several incidents of fatal electrocution due to illegal hook lines have been reported in various parts of Tripura in the past. However, this has not deterred some people from resorting to this unlawful practice. In some cases, even electricity meters have been stolen or tampered with. These acts not only amount to criminal offences, but also pose a risk to the safety of the perpetrators and others.
To curb this menace, the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) has been conducting regular raids and imposing fines on the offenders, besides creating awareness among the public about the dangers and consequences of electricity theft. The power corporation has also adopted a lenient approach by avoiding legal action in most cases, and giving the violators a chance to mend their ways by paying the penalties. However, in one case, the TSECL had to lodge a police complaint against a persistent offender.
According to official data, the vigilance team of TSECL conducted 497 raids from April to December 2023, and cut 2624 hook lines across the state. The team also tested 2508 meters and found irregularities in 445 of them. The TSECL officials and staff, along with the vigilance team, levied a total fine of Rs. 1 crore 73 lakh 71 thousand 944 on the offenders, out of which Rs. 1 crore 14 lakh 71 thousand 944 has been recovered so far. The TSECL hopes that these fines will act as a deterrent for future offenders, and encourage them to pay their bills regularly and honestly.
The TSECL has also stated that it will intensify its anti-theft operations in the coming days, as electricity theft causes inconvenience and losses to the genuine consumers who pay their bills on time. Due to power theft, the supply lines often face disruptions and fluctuations, which can damage the transformers or other electrical equipment. The TSECL has appealed to the conscious citizens to report any instances of hook lines or meter tampering to the nearest electricity department office, or call the toll-free number 1800-345-3911. This will help in ensuring uninterrupted and safe power supply to the area, as well as preventing any mishaps or casualties.
