Karnataka - Mangalore   

428 power theft cases booked

MANGALORE: The vigilance officials of Mangalore Electricity Supply Company (Mescom) Ltd registered 428 power theft cases in four districts between April and November, 2008, according to a press release of the company.

These cases were booked under Section 135 of Electricity Act, 2003 in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Shimoga and Chikmagalur districts. Cases such as tampering with meters and drawing power directly from the main supply lines come under this category. All the cases had been referred to the court, after filing First Information Reports (FIR) against the accused, the sources said.

In addition, 419 cases of misusing electricity had been registered in these districts. Cases such as obtaining domestic power connection and using it for commercial purpose fall under this category. The company had collected Rs. 24.78 lakh as fine from those accused in this category. In addition, they were levied back bill charges amounting to Rs. 124.8 lakh.

Power theft is a punishable offence under the Act and those found guilty could be sentenced to three years’ jail or fined or both.

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