XEN threatens meter reader for detecting power theft

Tribune News Service

Mohali, August 8

An inquiry has been initiated by the enforcement wing of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL),Patiala, regarding the case of threat received by a private meter reader. He has been reportedly threatened by an Executive Engineer (XEN) of the Power Department for detecting theft through ‘kundi’ connection at the house of his acquaintance.

Today, a team of the enforcement wing today reached Mohali and met the meter reader, Deepinder, to get all details of the matter. The team also visited the spot at the house in Sector 71, where the power was allegedly stolen by the owner, who is said to be inspector in Punjab Police.

It is to be noted that Deepinder had detected power theft in the house, where renovation was on. “The electricity meter, issued by the department, was found lying in the kitchen and the electricity was being drawn through a ‘kundi’ connection,” claimed Deepinder. He alleged that when he had raised an objection, the house owner had called up an Executive Engineer, who instead of taking action against the power theft started threatening Deepinder. He directed him to prepare bill of the house on the basis of average reading. Deepinder alleged that the Executive Engineer had also threatened him of losing job. The police was called at the spot by Deepinder’s cousin, who also had made video of the entire episode.

When contacted, Ravinder Singh Saini, the Superintending Engineer, Mohali, said a junior engineer was sent to the spot after getting information of the matter yesterday. “The JE has also submitted his report. Meanwhile, a team of enforcement wing has also begins their inquiry in the matter. Now let their report come first only then we would be able to make any comment on the issue”, said Saini.

Deepinder claimed that the official, who was sent at the spot, tried to remove the unauthorized connection from there. “He was also intending to install the meter but later changed his mind”, he claimed.

‘I am being pressured indirectly’

While talking to Chandigarh Tribune, Deepinder said that he was being pressurised indirectly by some of his colleagues at behest of some power officials. “I am being told that I would be implicated in false cases by the house owner, who is in the police. Some of my colleagues are pressurizing me to leave my job, which I had joined around eight months ago. As I am not at fault, I would not knuckle down,” said Deepinder, who is an employee of private company Cosyn Private Limited, which is responsible for meter readings in many parts of the state. 

Strict action if any official found guilty

Meanwhile, a senior official at PSPCL’s head office at Patiala said their team was inquiring into the matter. “Any official found guilty would not be spared by any means,” said the official on the condition of anonymity.