Ex-SAD MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha fined Rs 1.9 lakh for power theft

Tarn Taran, March 15

A fine of Rs 1.9 lakh has been imposed on former Akali MLA from Khem Karan Virsa Singh Valtoha for reportedly stealing power.

The power theft was detected by a four-member high-level team of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) from the Bhikhiwind division at his official complex in Amarkot, 35 km from here, on Saturday.

The raiding team found that the complex used 11 kW against the sanctioned load of 4.85 kW. The team also seized the wire meant to steal power from the transformer.

According to officials, there was zero power consumption at Valtoha’s house since July 2017.

Though circle-level officials of the PSPCL neither informed the media about the raid nor released any press briefing, the report of the team went viral on the social media.

Valtoha said it’s a political vendetta and an attempt to suppress his voice. “Ever since the Congress has come to power, I am facing FIRs. My house is locked for the past three years and I am residing in Amritsar,” he added. — OC