Anti-power theft police station hamstrung for lack of facilities

Gagandeep Sharma

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Tribune News Service

Bathinda, November 14

The state government had set up anti-power theft police stations to help the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) check cases of electricity theft, but officials at these police station established in Bathinda are facing problems due to lack of adequate facilities.

In 2009, five anti-power theft police stations were set up in Bathinda, Amritsar, Patiala, Ludhiana and Jalandhar. The anti-power theft police station is located at Gate No. 3 of Thermal Colony in Bathinda. It has the responsibility of checking cases of power theft in six districts of Malwa — Bathinda, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Mansa, Muktsar and Fazilka. Some villages of these districts are located 100 to 200 km from Bathinda. The cases of power theft are registered at this police station. Besides, the police also investigate matters regarding meter tampering and theft of electricity material.

There are 26 policemen, including seven ASI at the ant-power theft police station. However, they have only one vehicle, which too is in a poor condition.

A former SHO of the police station said constables sometimes have to spend money from their own pocket to perform their duty. When the police station receives more than one complaint, officials have to hire vehicles on their own, he added. According to reports, close to 1,000 complaints are lodged in these six districts every year. However, many of these complaints remain pending.

According to sources, 932 cases of power theft were registered in 2016 and close to 850 cases have been registered this year till date. A few days ago, policemen from the anti-power theft police station busted a gang of thieves who stole electricity wires in Muktsar. One of the cops revealed that they have demanded three-fold increase in staff strength, six vehicles and call detail facilities.

According to the policeman, they have to rely on the local police force to get call details of the accused. SSP of this wing at Patiala, Jaipal Singh, said the force was aware of the matter and had taken it up with the authorities concerned.