mid-day editorial: Take away the power from electricity mafia

Experts have predicted that illegal theft of electricity will only increase in the next few weeks as the festive season approaches. Already, local goons are stealing power from Reliance Energy distribution networks and forcing residents of various slums across the city, especially in the eastern and western suburbs, to procure illegal electricity connections from them.

So, even as 2.9 million people in the city pay through their noses each month for limited units of power, Mumbai's electricity mafia is distributing unlimited power for as less as Rs 200. Apparently, Reliance Energy has filed 120 complaints with cops.

A vigilance team recently busted a high-tech power theft racket in the western suburbs, where electricity was being stolen with the help of a remote control device.

With Janmashtami being celebrated this week, the festive spirit has already permeated the city. Ganesh Chaturthi is just over a week away. Power suppliers ought to look sharp to curb similar thefts in the next few months, or they could run into losses worth crores.

What's most disturbing is the fact that these power thieves are resorting to high-tech gadgets and tools to cover their thefts. It is essential that power companies try to be a step ahead at all times. They should look into employing people to check for power leaks on a daily basis. They must be able to detect loopholes in the system and employ counter measures to thwart those efforts.

City cops too have a huge role to play. This isn't the first time power thefts have been reported. While several culprits have been nabbed, have any other steps been taken to prevent the menace? Or do cops think such thefts are okay during festive season?

Dismissing the issue would encou­rage the thieves. Let's treat this pow­er tussle with the gravitas it deserves.