Pulwama, June 27: In a major power fraud incident, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has issued show-cause notices to two field engineers for their alleged negligence in a case of large-scale electricity theft by a prominent industrial consumer at Lassipora Industrial Estate in South Kashmir’s Pulwama. The consumer, ‘Abraq Agro,’ has reportedly been booked under Section 126 of the Indian Electricity Act 2003 for unauthorized use of power by tampering with the energy meter.
Reliable sources said that the case came to light after a detailed inspection was carried out by the Central Inspection Squad of the Chief Engineer (Distribution), KPDCL. The team found gross irregularities during its visit to Abraq Agro’s 400 HP installation at the Industrial Estate Lassipora. As per the report, the energy meter was visibly tampered, its seals broken, and the meter readings were significantly underreporting power consumption.
The inspection revealed that although the installation had a 400KVA dedicated substation and a CT/PT-based secure energy meter, the actual power usage and recorded values differed drastically. Instantaneous power recorded by the meter was 135 kW, against the calculated actual usage of 209 kVA. This was verified by clamp meter readings and confirmed tampering through physical shunting of CT terminals using embedded wires.
The inspection team confiscated the energy meter on the spot and sent it to the Meter Testing Lab at Bemina, Srinagar. The lab report confirmed the tampering, showing a massive error of -40.50% in recorded power, indicating a major loss to the exchequer. A provisional assessment of Rs 57.85 lakh has been raised against the consumer.
In parallel, disciplinary action has been initiated against two engineers posted at the Sub-Division Pulwama, Er. Javed Ahmad Wagay (I/C Assistant Executive Engineer) and Er. Parvaiz Ahmad Bhat (Junior Engineer). The Managing Director, KPDCL, Mahmood Ahmad Shah, has served both officers a show-cause notice seeking their explanation. Their alleged failure to report the tampering, despite visible signs, has been viewed as gross dereliction of duty.
Meanwhile, Abraq Agro has been directed to either deposit the assessed amount or file objections before the Assessing Officer under Clause 8.45 of the Supply Code. Failing this, a final assessment order will be issued, and the installation may be disconnected without further notice, with arrears reflected in future bills.
This incident has raised serious concerns over regulatory oversight and collusion, and KPDCL has reiterated its commitment to clamp down on power theft and enforce strict accountability within its ranks. (KNT)
