In an aggressive move against the
pervasive issue of electricity theft, the Tripura State Electricity Corporation
or TSECL has initiated a comprehensive crackdown on offenders involved in
illegal activities, particularly through hook line theft.
Focused on ensuring the safety of
citizens and safeguarding the integrity of the power infrastructure, the
corporation has intensified efforts to combat this rampant problem.
Beyond the criminal implications,
electricity theft poses potential life-threatening consequences, with reported
fatalities from hook lines in various locations within the State. Despite these
risks, the trend persists, with criminals resorting to extreme measures such as
stealing entire electricity meters.
Motivated by financial gain, electricity
theft carries legal repercussions, prompting TSECL to adopt a multi-pronged
approach. This strategy includes public awareness campaigns coupled with
rigorous enforcement measures.
Raids conducted by the vigilance team of
Tripura State Electricity Corporation have identified and dismantled 2624 hook
lines in 497 operations between April and December of the previous year (2023).
Additionally, 445 meters revealed irregularities during testing.
To discourage future criminal activities,
TSECL officials, staff, and the vigilance team collaborated to impose fines
totaling Rs 1 crore 73 lakh 71 thousand 944 on offenders.
Notably, Rs 1 crore 14 lakh 71 thousand
944 has already been successfully recovered. While favouring non-litigious approaches
initially, the corporation is prepared to pursue legal action in cases where
deemed necessary, with the assistance of the police.
