Nagpur, November 22: A special court in Nagpur has awarded strict punishment to a consumer found guilty of electricity theft. District Judge-3 and Additional Sessions Judge S. H. Gwalani, in Special Case No. 53/2022, convicted the accused, Shamshera Begum Sheikh Babbu, and sentenced her to imprisonment till the rising of the court along with a fine of ₹10,000.

According to officials, the electricity connection of the accused had been disconnected by MSEDCL as per rules due to non-payment of pending bills. However, without clearing the dues or obtaining any official permission, the consumer allegedly reconnected the snapped power supply and began using electricity illegally.

The illegal reconnection was detected by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), following which the company lodged a complaint against the consumer at Nandanvan Police Station in 2021.

After examining evidence and arguments, the court held Shamshera Begum Sheikh Babbu guilty of power theft. She has been sentenced to jail till the court adjourns for the day and directed to pay a fine of ₹10,000.

The verdict is seen as a stern warning against electricity theft and illegal reconnections in the city.