Fine of Rs 2,59,080 imposed on WKH resident for meter bypassing
SHILLONG: The vigilance cell of the MePDCL recently conducted surprise checks in several villages across Khasi Hills and penalized as many as 28 households for stealing power.
MePDCL, Central Circle, Chief Executive Officer, O. Riang informed that the surprise checks were conducted in Mawkynrew, Jongksha, Thangsning, Nongthliew, Kynrud, Balat, Dangar, Dangar Dombah and other villages.
Out of 28 cases, 10 consumers were caught for stealing electricity after their power connection had been disconnected due to nonpayment of energy bills; nine were caught for resorting to hooking power from LT lines while seven consumers were caught for bypassing their meters and two others were caught for drawing more power than the contract demand.
According to Riang, penalty ranging from Rs 2782 to Rs 2,59,080 was imposed and the offenders were directed to pay the same, failing which FIR would be lodged against as per prevalent Sections 135 and 126 of the Electricity Act, 2003 and Amendment Act, 2007, which include besides fines, a jail term up to 3 years.
He said a penalty of Rs 2,59,080 was imposed on one consumer in New Nongstoin for meter bypassing, which is the highest ever fine levied for theft under the Circle in the last ten years.
Two other consumers in New Nongstoin Town were penalized for Rs 2,15,280 and Rs 1,71,480 for the same reason.
Meanwhile, MePDCL would shortly lodge FIR against some consumers who did not pay the penalty imposed on them within the stipulated time.
During the inspection, required materials evidences like video recording was done, the official informed.
It may be mentioned that over 100 cases of theft was detected last month in East Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills districts and penalty was imposed on the defaulters.
The official, meanwhile, asserted that intensified and surprise vigilance would be conducted by MePDCL to punish those who indulge into such illegal acts.
