Punjab Govt Cracks Down on Power Theft: 296 FIRs Registered, 38 Employees Terminated

In a major crackdown on power theft, the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Shri Bhagwant Mann, has intensified its efforts to curb electricity pilferage across the state. In a month-long operation in August, 296 FIRs were lodged in Anti-Power Theft Police Stations, and 38 employees, including 37 outsourced meter-readers and one supervisor, were terminated for corrupt practices.

Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, who spearheaded this rigorous campaign, emphasized that the Punjab Government is committed to eradicating power theft and corruption. “Under CM Bhagwant Mann’s leadership, we have adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, and power theft will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” said the minister. He highlighted the state’s determination to recover revenue losses and restore financial discipline in the power sector.

The FIRs, which were spread across five key zones, resulted from consistent raids and inspections: 90 FIRs in Patiala Zone, 79 in Amritsar Zone, 71 in Bathinda Zone, 29 in Ludhiana Zone, and 27 in Jalandhar Zone. These extensive measures reflect the government's unwavering focus on accountability and transparency in the state’s energy management.

Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO reaffirmed that such stringent actions would continue to ensure that illegal power connections are eliminated and defaulters are brought to justice. He also encouraged those involved in illegal power activities to regularize their connections immediately or face legal consequences.

This decisive action underscores CM Bhagwant Mann ji’s vision of a corruption-free Punjab, where revenue leaks are plugged and public resources are protected for the greater good of the state.