Maharashtra: During this surprising case, the electricity wing of Nagpur uncovered an incredible theft of above ₹1 crores from one rice mill, and it found that the entire setup had deliberately been tampered with by tampering the metre so that normal rules and regulation are not able to check therefore, free electricity is used. Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (Mahavitaran) conducted a raid on the companys premises after gaining accurate information and thereby unearthed such malpractice.The raid was conducted at Taj Rice Mill in the Devlapar area of Ramtek tehsil in Nagpur. While raids were conducted, it was seen that the electricity meter didnt carry the government seal, which is a critical security feature. Further analysis showed that other cables were connected to the meter that enabled stealing. Mahavitarans team found that the mill had consumed illegally 4,90,032 units of electricity in the last 12 months. It means the financial loss was of ₹1 crore 2 lakh 23 thousand 894.Largest electricity theft in VidarbhaIt was reported that the theft is marked as the highest ever in the entire Vidarbha region. According to reports, the Mahavitarans team fined rice mill operator at ₹13 lakh 10 thousand. The cases under Section 151 of Indian Electricity Act 2003 was amended in the year 2007. A new milestone that was marked as the effort on electricity theft carried out by the Mahavitaran.OperationThe officials were shocked by the scale and sophistication of the theft. The industrial three-phase meter was found to be tampered with, and unauthorized cables were connected to draw electricity. The absence of Mahavitarans seal indicated deliberate manipulation. Such illegal practices not only cause substantial economic losses but also burden the system, affecting legitimate consumers.Mahavitaran takes strict actionMahavitaran officials said there are stern measures in place to halt electricity theft across the state. It is a step in the right direction toward accountability and warding off revenue losses, said an official. The team is dedicated to detection of similar practices happening elsewhere and putting the culprits behind bars.Community reactions and legal issuesThe revelation has created a buzz in the local community, with many questioning the audacity of such large-scale malpractice. Authorities have assured that investigations will continue, and further legal action will follow.
