The Anti-Power Theft Squad has detected 457 cases of power theft and 1,298 irregularities during searches carried out at 11,796 locations in the State in 108 days.
It has also assessed the fine at Rs.12.23 crore as on December 21. In November, the APTS realised an amount of Rs.4.03 crore. The drive would continue in the coming days, KSEB Chief Vigilance Officer Rishi Raj Singh said.
Unauthorised extension of electricity lines was detected at many commercial establishments, including a public-listed company in Thiruvananthapuram district. Six houseboats in Alappuzha had directly hooked top mainline to steal electricity.
An educational institution in Ernakulam district was fined Rs.70 lakh for unauthorised extension. Likewise, a resort in Wayanad was fined Rs.7 lakh. Even a retired KSEB employee was fined Rs.2 lakh for power theft. A former Minister had used electricity for domestic purpose after securing a connection purportedly for agricultural purpose. The APTS would not show any favours to anyone, Mr. Singh said.