SRINAGAR: Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has issued show-cause notices to two field engineers for alleged negligence in a large-scale electricity theft case involving a prominent industrial consumer at Lassipora Industrial Estate in South Kashmir’s Pulwama.
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The consumer, Abraq Agro, has reportedly been booked under Section 126 of the Indian Electricity Act 2003 for unauthorised use of power through energy meter tampering.
Reliable sources said that the case surfaced after a detailed inspection by the Central Inspection Squad of the Chief Engineer (Distribution), KPDCL. During the visit to Abraq Agro’s 400 HP installation at Lassipora, gross irregularities were found, including visible meter tampering, broken seals, and significantly under-reported readings.
Despite the installation having a 400KVA dedicated substation and a CT/PT-based secure energy meter, a large discrepancy was noted between actual usage and recorded consumption. The instantaneous power recorded by the meter stood at 135 kW, compared to the actual load of 209 kVA. Clamp meter readings and shunted CT terminals, manipulated using embedded wires, confirmed tampering.
The energy meter was confiscated on-site and sent to the Meter Testing Lab in Bemina, Srinagar. The lab report revealed a massive -40.50 per cent error in power recording, translating into substantial financial losses. A provisional assessment of ₹57.85 lakh has been raised against the consumer.
Disciplinary action has concurrently been initiated against two engineers posted at Sub-Division Pulwama—Er Javed Ahmad Wagay (I/C Assistant Executive Engineer) and Er Parvaiz Ahmad Bhat (Junior Engineer). The Managing Director of KPDCL, Mahmood Ahmad Shah, served both officers show-cause notices, citing gross dereliction of duty for failing to report visible tampering.
Meanwhile, Abraq Agro has been instructed to deposit the assessed amount or file objections before the Assessing Officer under Clause 8.45 of the Supply Code. Failure to comply may result in the disconnection of supply without further notice, and the arrears will be reflected in subsequent bills. (KNT)