E-Paper
Ludhiana: PSPCL fines BJP councillor ₹1L for alleged power theft
According to PSPCL officials, the enforcement wing conducted a raid at Sikka’s office following a complaint regarding suspected power theft
The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has imposed a penalty of ₹1.29 lakh on BJP councillor Rohit Sikka after its enforcement wing allegedly detected power theft at his office in the Haibowal area. The power utility has also removed and taken into possession the electricity meter installed at the premises and asked the police to register an FIR in the case.
According to PSPCL officials, the enforcement wing conducted a raid at Sikka’s office following a complaint regarding suspected power theft. The inspection was videographed, officials said. During the inspection, the team allegedly found electricity being drawn directly from the low-tension (LT) supply line through a PVC wire, bypassing the electricity meter. Officials said this resulted in electricity consumption not being recorded through the meter.
Following the inspection, officials from PSPCL’s enforcement wing, along with a team from the Aggar Nagar Division Unit-II, documented the alleged violation and initiated action under the provisions of the Electricity Act.
PSPCL officials said a penalty of ₹1,29,973 has been imposed in the case, while a compounding fee of ₹40,000 has also been fixed as per the applicable provisions.
The electricity meter installed at the premises was removed and taken into possession by PSPCL for examination.
Officials said it has been sent to the meter examination laboratory for further analysis. Instructions have also been issued for installation of a new smart meter at the premises.
The power utility has submitted a complaint to the anti power theft police station, seeking registration of an FIR against the councillor.
