A relentless anti-electricity theft campaign led by LESCO Chief Executive Engineer Shahid Haider continues to yield significant results. Over the past 24 hours, LESCO teams have uncovered 363 illegal connections across the region, resulting in the filing of 361 FIRs against electricity thieves. Of these, 234 FIRs have been registered, and 21 suspects have been apprehended. According to LESCO spokesperson on Tuesday, the seized connections comprised three agricultural, 11 commercial, two industrial, and 347 domestic installations. Following disconnection, detection bills amounting to 40 lakh 2 thousand 88 units, valued at Rs. 15 crore 864 thousand 661, were imposed.

The campaign also netted large commercial consumers engaged in electricity theft. These entities were disconnected and charged with detection units. For instance, a connection in Johar Town was charged Rs. 3 lakh for stealing 5,000 units, while a connection in Shafi Park Ferozwala area was charged Rs. 2 lakh for pilfering 2,000 units. Similarly, connections in Manga Mandi and Race Course areas were charged Rs. 19 lakh 8 thousand 750 and Rs. 18 lakh 5 thousand, respectively.

Since the operation's inception 74 days ago, a total of 28,481 electricity theft suspects have been identified. LESCO has arrested 13,144 of these individuals and filed 28,128 FIRs against illegal connections. Out of these FIRs, 27,174 have been registered, and charges have been levied on 1 lakh 1 thousand 215 units, amounting to Rs. 2 billion 69 crore 14 thousand 694.

The ongoing anti-electricity theft campaign is being carried out under the strict directives of the Federal Power Division, with Chief Executive Engineer Shahid Haider personally overseeing the operations. LESCO's Chief Executive has vowed to continue the crackdown relentlessly until electricity theft is completely eradicated. The campaign also targets LESCO officers and employees who abet electricity theft, ensuring that all parties involved are brought to justice.

 Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)