Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 12: The family of an ex-MLA in Baghat Barzulla area is openly resorting to power theft through an illegal power connection to their residential house, bypassing the meter-all of this happening under the nose of the authorities.
Despite it being a known case of power theft, the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has so far failed to take the necessary action, even though it remains busy in daily drives against those involved in power theft across Kashmir.
Pertinent to mention here is that the concerned field staff has also been informed about the repeated violation; however, there has been no action so far.
Following the inaction from the authorities, a formal complaint has been lodged by an affected resident in the area to the higher-ups, seeking immediate action.
“This is to inform that my neighbour, namely Mohammad Anees Bhat, son of Late Mohammad Sidiq Bhat, has taken a direct line from my power box fixed on my electric pole, bypassing the meter and drawing a huge power load,” reads the complaint filed by a resident, Dr. Abdul Latif Mattoo.
The complainant stated that the wife of his neighbour “is an ex-MLA,” and there seems to be an “unwritten rule in PDD that ex-MLAs and MPs and other such influential consumers are to be given power without any meter.”
It has been further stated that a verbal complaint was lodged with the concerned field staff and concerned engineers, but no heed was paid.
“It is apprehended that the box with meters fixed on the pole may catch fire anytime, and my power system with life and property may be put at risk. The said person has a palatial house with a full-fledged annex that has power supplied from my pole by bypassing the meter,” the complaint, which has the photos of the direct connection bypassing the meter attached, stated further.
The complainant has further demanded immediate action against the said consumer under rules and the formation of an inspection team to identify such cases in the area.
“It is also requested to constitute an inspection team of upright and honest engineers and field staff who could inspect the installations of such persons who are bypassing the meter in smart-metered areas so that PDD comes clean on this serious issue.”
While the Chief Engineer, KPDCL, was not available for comments on the issue, the concerned field staff reported to Excelsior that they have disconnected the illegal power connection of the consumer a number of times.
“However, it is fixed back every time. We will ensure a permanent measure in this regard to curb the violation,” they said.
Managing Director (MD) KPDCL, Mussarat Islam, did not respond to repeated calls and messages.
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