Significant drop in electricity theft cases in Uttar Pradesh
Special police stations set up in Uttar Pradesh to stop power theft convince the culprits to get their offences compounded or settle the matters on the spot
There has been a significant drop in electricity theft cases in Uttar Pradesh since special police stations were set up in the state about two years back to check the problem, officials said. This has also helped the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) receive greater revenue.
People aware of the matter said in 2020 charge sheets were filed in only 990 power theft cases across Uttar Pradesh. (HT Photo/Representative Photo)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
“We are moving fast towards achieving the target of zero charge-sheets in power theft cases with the help of the anti-power theft police stations and this is a big achievement,” said Kamal Saksena, director-general (vigilance), UPPCL. “Our police convince power theft culprits to get their offences compounded or settle the matters on the spot and get acquitted instead of getting involved in court cases once the charge sheets are filed.”
People aware of the matter said in 2020 charge sheets were filed in only 990 power theft cases. The number has dropped this year when 1,06,992 cases were registered from January till September 13. Charge sheets have been filed only in nine of the 8,830 cases disposed of. In 8,810 cases, final reports were sent to the courts which meant 99.77% of cases were closed after the accused agreed to get the offences compounded.
Brajendra K Parashar is a Senior Journalist with the Hindustan Times, based in Lucknow, with nearly three decades of experience covering governance, public policy, politics and development in Uttar Pradesh. Over the years, he has reported extensively on key sectors, including energy and renewable power, mobility and transport, road safety, agriculture and allied sectors and issues related to farmers, rural development, taxation under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and public administration. A seasoned political correspondent, Parashar closely tracks the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has covered every major election in Uttar Pradesh right from three-tier panchayat elections and urban local body polls to Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. He also reports regularly on the proceedings of the Uttar Pradesh Legislature, bureaucracy, governance, policy decisions and administrative developments with focus on their impact on public life. His reporting is known for its strong analytical approach, extensive use of official data. His areas of interests include investigative journalism, long-form political and policy analysis, data-driven reporting, elections and institutional reforms. Parashar holds a postgraduate degree in Political Science with First Division from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), followed by a Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication from the same university. His inclination towards journalism began during his student days, when he regularly contributed letters to editors and articles to newspapers and magazines. In the mid-1990S, his essay, “Should India Switch Over to the Presidential Form Of Government?”, published in Politics India magazine edited by noted constitutional expert Subhash C Kashyap, was adjudged the best entry in a national competition. His work has received professional recognition, including the Hindustan Times Journalist of the Month Award for an impactful series on drinking water issues during the 2010 Lok Sabha election campaign. Originally from Kasganj in western Uttar Pradesh, Parashar is currently based in Lucknow where continues to report on politics, governance and public policy.
Get Latest News, breaking headlines, and top India News, and today real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times
Get Latest News, breaking headlines, and top India News, and today real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times
