The Jaipur Electricity Department launched a major crackdown on electricity theft on Thursday. This special investigation resulted in raids across various areas of the city, uncovering six instances of large-scale illegal electricity usage. These cases involved an RO plant, cold storage facilities, a resort, and a private warehouse. The department imposed fines exceeding ₹10 lakh on all offenders and initiated further legal action.
Operation Details
Acting on intelligence, the electricity inspection team conducted raids in Jaipur's outskirts. According to the department, the operation began at 6:00 AM and continued until noon. The teams had prior information suggesting that several locations had been using electricity without meters or with bypassed meters for an extended period.
Locations of Theft
- An RO plant on Kanchipura Road was found directly drawing electricity from a transformer. The plant had operated without a bill for approximately two years.
- A resort near Sirsi Road was found tampering with its meter to receive electricity.
- A cold storage facility in Jagatpura was found bypassing its meter to draw a heavy electricity load.
- A private warehouse near Bagru was found using illegal supply via transit wiring.
- A dairy plant on Mahla Road was found stealing electricity using an old, disconnected connection.
- A farmhouse in Shivdaspura was found operating a large lighting system using an illegally connected line from a hidden panel.
Action Taken and Fines
The department immediately disconnected electricity supply in all six cases and initiated the process of filing FIRs. A total fine of ₹10.27 lakh was imposed on these establishments. Notices were also issued for recovery of stolen units and additional penalties. The investigation revealed that electricity theft at some locations had been ongoing for one to two years. In some cases, consumers deliberately tampered with meters; others had directly connected to poles.
Official Statement
R.S. Chauhan, the Superintending Engineer of the Electricity Distribution Corporation, stated that the department conducted a planned investigation with technical teams, identifying all suspicious locations. Electricity theft is a serious crime, and the department will not tolerate such acts. The department clarified that this operation will not be limited to these instances.
In the coming weeks, special attention will be given to villages, industrial areas, and farmhouses surrounding Jaipur. The public has been urged to immediately inform the department of any information regarding electricity theft. The Electricity Department warned that intentional theft could result in imprisonment, not just fines, but also license revocation, case filing, and potential disconnection from future services.
