The industrial hub of Panipat faced a significant crackdown today as power utility officials moved in to dismantle a sophisticated network of electricity pilferage.
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Targeted Intelligence: The raid followed a 48-hour data analysis of consumption patterns in the Sector-25 Industrial Area and the Old Industrial Area. Technical teams noticed that while production in these units was at its peak, the recorded electricity consumption remained suspiciously low.
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Modus Operandi: During the inspection, investigators discovered that several units had installed “shunting devices” inside their transformers to slow down the digital meters. In two major dyeing units, workers were caught using direct underground cables tapped from the main line to run heavy-duty boilers, completely bypassing the utility’s billing system.
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Financial and Legal Blow: A cumulative penalty of ₹2.14 crore was calculated on the spot. “The theft isn’t just a loss of revenue; it destabilizes the entire grid and leads to frequent transformer burnouts in the industrial sector,” said the Superintending Engineer (OP) Circle, Panipat.
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Strict Consequences: FIRs are being registered at the Irrigation & Power Police Station. Under the current “zero-tolerance” policy, the owners face potential imprisonment and will be required to pay 100% of the fine plus a compounding fee before any reconnection can be considered.
Community Sentiment
“Honest factory owners welcome these raids. When some units steal power, it creates unfair competition because their production costs drop significantly. However, we hope the department also checks its own internal staff to see how such massive thefts were going unnoticed for months,” said a member of the Panipat Industrialists Association.
