U.P.: SDO suspended in power theft case

Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam (MVVN) has suspended sub divisional officer (SDO) Ashutosh Gupta for laxity in connection with a case power pilferage detected in a water park in Bakshi Ka Talab recently

Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam (MVVN) has suspended sub divisional officer (SDO) Ashutosh Gupta for laxity in connection with a case power pilferage detected in a water park in Bakshi Ka Talab recently. Gupta has been attached to the office of the chief engineer, distribution, Ayodhya.

The suspended SDO has been attached to the office of the chief engineer, distribution, Ayodhya. (For Representation)

Besides, Bakshi Ka Talab executive engineer Amitraj, who was found guilty of not exercising effective supervision, has been attached to the MVVN headquarters. On June 23, a vigilance team of Lucknow Electricity Supply Administration (LESA) raided Marino Water Park and Resort in Bakshi Ka Talab where they found that electricity was being pilfered from a 63 KVA transformer installed on the water park premises.

A probe revealed that a 206-kilowatt (kW) load was being illegally used on a 60-kW connection. Following it, a case was registered against the water park owners. Managing director, Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited, Bhawani Singh ordered an inquiry into how power was being pilfered. The inquiry report blamed the SDO concerned for the pilferage.

Meanwhile, the UPPCL Engineers’ Association has opposed the SDO’s suspension. The Association’s secretary Ashish Kumar said the SDO was holding the additional charge of assistant engineer, revenue, Bakshi Ka Talab. He alleged that Gupta was suspended without being given time to explain his point.