Power Theft Crackdown in Uttar Pradesh: Over ₹1.28 Crore Recovered

The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Department has launched a significant campaign against electricity theft, targeting close aides and relatives of Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan. Chief Engineer Gyan Prakash confirmed the recovery of over ₹1.28 crore following an investigation in Bareilly, where individuals were caught stealing power through illegal connections.

Prakash stated that the operation led to the arrest of seven individuals for siphoning 77 kilowatts of electricity. An FIR was filed under the Electricity Act, 2003, resulting in a fine of ₹1.12 crore. The department urges those caught to settle fines promptly to avoid further legal actions under the U.P. Public Demands Recovery Act, 1958.

Notices have been dispatched to several individuals, highlighting their connections to high-profile cases and emphasizing a rigorous crackdown aimed at boosting revenue. Meanwhile, Maulana Tauqeer's relative, Mohammad Raza, faces separate penalties linked to an illicit charging station.

(With inputs from agencies.)