Nagpur: The flying squad of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), operating under its Security and Enforcement Department, has achieved significant success in its crackdown on power theft across Nagpur city and rural areas over the past year.

According to an official press release, the squad detected power theft and related irregularities worth ₹9.46 crore during the financial year from April 2025 to March 2026. Strict action has been initiated, with criminal cases registered against 51 consumers at various police stations.

Major Findings and Action Taken

During the special drive, the squad uncovered direct power theft involving 331 consumers. Under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003 (amended in 2007), cases amounting to ₹6.57 crore were registered, involving theft of approximately 3.206 million units of electricity.

Additionally, MSEDCL identified cases of unauthorized usage and consumption exceeding sanctioned load. Under Section 126, 46 such cases were detected, involving 0.164 million units and irregularities worth ₹22.68 lakh. In another 54 cases, electricity consumption of 6.629 million units led to billing of ₹2.65 crore.

Out of the total assessed amount of ₹9.46 crore, the department has successfully recovered ₹6.20 crore so far.

Strict Enforcement and Public Appeal

Authorities have warned that consumers who fail to pay penalties and dues will face stringent police action. Officials emphasized that power theft is not only a legal offence but also a social crime that increases distribution losses and places a financial burden on honest consumers.

MSEDCL has urged citizens to report instances of power theft, assuring confidentiality and attractive rewards for informants.

Leadership and Execution

The action was carried out under the guidance of Chairman and Managing Director Lokesh Chandra, Executive Director (Security & Enforcement) Aparna Gite, Chief Engineer Dilip Dodke, and Deputy Director Sunil Thapekar. The operational team included Additional Executive Engineer Vaibhav Narkhede, Assistant Engineer Ashish Chothe, and other officials.

The administration has indicated that the anti-power theft drive will be intensified further in the coming months.