Listen To This Post
Chandigarh/ Panchkula: The Haryana State Enforcement Bureau has intensified its statewide crackdown on electricity theft, with 90 offenders arrested in the first quarter of 2026 as part of a special अभियान launched under the directions of Navdeep Singh Virk.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, ADGP Virk made it clear that no leniency will be shown to habitual offenders, stressing that power theft is not merely a financial loss but a serious criminal offence. He directed officers across districts to identify repeat violators and take stringent action under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
As part of the intensified drive, the Bureau has not only registered cases but also ensured arrests and prosecution of offenders. Between January and March 2026, 90 individuals involved in electricity theft were arrested.
In a recent case highlighting the Bureau’s firm approach, Ramesh, a resident of Kala village in Rewari district, was arrested on April 6 for his involvement in five separate cases of power theft. Despite repeated notices to deposit penalties, he failed to comply and was subsequently charge-sheeted and produced before the district court.
Officials, including SHO Naresh Kumar and Investigating Officer SI Bharat Sharma, were commended for their role in the operation.
The crackdown has been extensive across the state, with a total of 397 accused arrested so far and produced before courts. The highest number of arrests has been reported from Hisar (136), Jind (104) and Gurugram (48), indicating focused enforcement in high-incidence districts.
The campaign has also yielded significant financial recovery. In just the first quarter of 2026, the Bureau has recovered ₹37.28 crore from offenders. Major recoveries were reported from districts such as Faridabad (₹4.37 crore), Gurugram (₹4.28 crore), Hisar (₹2.20 crore), Kaithal (₹2.12 crore), and Bhiwani (₹2.80 crore).
Senior officers, including Kuldeep Singh and Tahir Hussain, were present at the review meeting, where the ongoing अभियान was assessed and further strategies discussed.
Reiterating the Bureau’s zero-tolerance stance, ADGP Virk said the drive will continue with greater intensity to curb electricity theft and ensure accountability, while sending a strong deterrent message across Haryana.
