Traffic Inspector fined Rs 53,000 over electricity pilferage

The inspection was carried out in the quarters of Jayakumar, Virugambakkam traffic police, based on a tip-off received by the vigilance team. “We found that the modus operandi was meter bypass. A total amount of Rs 53,917 was recovered from him as penalty and charges,” an officer from the EB enforcement said on Thursday.

EB officials noted that they were unsure as to how long the Inspector was stealing power. “Usually, it is calculated on yearly basis. If one consumer is caught stealing, it is assumed that he or she had been doing so for a year. Hence penalty and charges are calculated on that basis,” the official noted.

The Inspector has to make the payment immediately. If not done so, power connection to his quarters will be snapped, the official said.

The EB has levied Rs 18,467 extra and penalty of Rs 24,467 beside other charges. Total amount of Rs 53,917 including the extra levy and compounding charges was paid by the officer, according to the EB official.