Illegal power theft racket busted in KR Puram: BESCOM cuts supply

In a blatant case of power theft, at least 16 houses in Muneshwara Badavane under KR Puram Sub-Division have been illegally tapping electricity through a single meter for the last three years, causing BESCOM a loss running into lakhs of rupees.

According to sources, one electricity meter was installed for an individual house owned by a woman named Theresa. From this meter, additional cables were drawn illegally to supply power to 16 nearby tin-sheet houses. Despite repeated warnings and two disconnections by BESCOM officials in the past, the illegal connections were restored each time, allowing uninterrupted use of TVs, fans, fridges, and other household appliances.

Shockingly, locals claim BESCOM authorities were well aware of this organized theft but did not take stringent action for a long time. This comes close on the heels of a tragic incident in the same area, where a Nepalese boy died after coming into contact with a high-tension wire — an incident linked to unsafe power connections allegedly set up by the same household’s family.

After a media report exposed the malpractice, BESCOM vigilance officials swung into action and disconnected the illegal power lines once again. Officials have now decided to register an FIR against the house owner and all those illegally drawing electricity. KR Puram Sub-Division authorities and the vigilance wing are coordinating to file criminal charges soon.

Residents and civic activists have demanded that BESCOM strengthen inspections in slum pockets to prevent such dangerous and costly power thefts that burden honest consumers and pose serious safety risks.