Power theft cases: Punjab authorities unhappy with number of arrests

Slow pace of work on arrests of the power pilferers is affecting recovery of the fines in the wake of units charged and other issues in the operations continued nationwide these days. On the other hand, the power distribution companies (Discos) in Punjab continue to take lead in respect of raids, registration of cases, arrests, recovery etc across the country, Dawn has learnt. “Everything, except arrests, is going well. Therefore, the departments concerned, including police, assisting Discos in the anti-power theft operations will have to arrest all those nominated in the FIRs to recover the fines imposed in the form of detected bills/units charged,” an official source said while talking to Dawn on Saturday. “In various cases, the influential people (Discos’ field officials, lawyers, officers etc) are allegedly supporting the electricity thieves,” the official, requesting anonymity, alleged.