Set up special cell squad to check power theft during Ganeshotsav, orders Bombay high court

The Bombay high court on Wednesday directed the authorities to constitute a special cell headed by the police and BEST vigilance department to check on electricity theft by Sarvajanik Ganesh mandals in the city.

A division bench of justices PV Haradas and Anuja Prabhudessai said the cell should keep a check on power thefts during the forthcoming Ganeshotsav and Navratri festival in the city. The cell will be headed by a deputy commissioner of police (enforcement), and it will keep a watch on temporary electricity connections given to organisers of festivals.

The order was passed after Mumbai Police commissioner Rakesh Maria on August 12 had convened a joint meeting of power supply companies and policemen to find out ways to stop power theft during festivals.

The meeting was held in pursuance to a public interest litigation filed by former scribe Ketan Tirodkar alleging that power is stolen brazenly during festivals by rigging up supply from street. The bench also asked the police and BEST to work in coordination. All police stations have also been asked to cooperate with the BEST power company vigilance squad while carrying out raids.

The PIL alleged that Mumbai's power demand is around 2,600 MW whereas Tata Power Company and Reliance Energy together provide only 2,300 MW at present. Maharashtra is facing shortage of around 3,000-3,500 MW during morning and evening peak hours.