Malkangiri: A jail official had to pay a heavy price after he was reportedly caught in an electricity theft case by Tata Power Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL) in Malkangiri district of Odisha. The accused, identified as the superintendent of Malkangiri sub-jail was slapped with a fine of Rs 6,29,140 by TPSODL Vigilance for illegal unauthorised use of electricity through parallel hooking.
According to reports, a raid was conducted by the Vigilance and Enforcement Cell of TPSODL, Jeypore on the prison area on May 18 after an additional consumption of 15 KW was detected last month.
During the investigation, it came to the fore that the jail superintendent was involved in the dishonest abstraction of energy for a long time through parallel hooking from the main connection.
Following the revelation, the power discom released a notice where the accused was slapped with almost twice the penalty to the tune of Rs 6,29,140 and issued a show cause to appear within seven days.
“In course of inspection of your premises, it was found that you have indulged in unauthorised use of energy by parallel hooking. After being satisfied of such unauthorised use of electricity, you have been provisionally assessed a sum of Rs 6,29,140 on TCL 41.45 KW. The provisional assessment order with bill is enclosed herewith for reference.
You are therefore called upon to show cause within a period of seven days within receipt of the notice against the provisional assessment made against you and appear in person with all relevant record before the undersigned or you may pay the assessed amount within the above stipulated period, failing which subsequent course of legal action will be taken as per law. This notice is being given to you under Section 135 of the Electricity Act 2003/Amended Act 2007,” the letter issued on May 22 by Executive Engineer (Electrical) of the Vigilance and Enforcement Cell of TPSODL Jeypore stated.
