Under the vigilant supervision of Chief Executive Engineer Shahid Haider, the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) is intensifying its campaign against electricity theft. In the latest operation spanning 24 hours, 388 connections involved in electricity theft across the region have been identified. FIR applications against 387 electricity thieves have been promptly filed in respective police stations, resulting in the registration of 154 applications and the arrest of 17 suspects. According to the spokesperson on Tuesday, the seized connections include 16 commercial, 1 agricultural, 1 industrial, and 370 domestic. After disconnecting all these connections, a detection bill amounting to 342,560 units, equivalent to Rs 1,49,01,403, has been imposed. Those implicated in the theft have also faced disconnection and are being charged for the detection units. Notable penalties include Rs 280,000 for a connection in the Sadar area of Kasur, Rs 200,000 each for connections in Ferozwala and Qala Gujar Singh areas, and Rs 180,000 for a connection in Kasur.

The ongoing anti-electricity theft campaign, spearheaded by LESCO, has resulted in the arrest of 16,938 individuals to date. A staggering 44,334 accused have been implicated in electricity theft, with FIR applications submitted against 43,882 connections. Out of these, 41,486 applications have been successfully registered. The total units stolen amount to 6,934,264, translating to a monetary value of Rs 2,257,752,230. Chief Engineer Shahid Haider emphasizes that the relentless operation will persist without discrimination until electricity theft is completely eradicated. The crackdown extends not only to electricity thieves but also to LESCO officers and employees who may be involved or supporting such activities, ensuring justice is served.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)