Electricity Theft is a Crime, TPWODL Takes Strict Action

Burla/Titlagarh, :TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL), a joint venture of Tata Power and the Government of Odisha, has once again reiterated that electricity theft is a Criminal offence under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003 and punishable by law. Such incidents have reported from Titlagarh Electrical Division of Bolangir district for which the power distribution company logged FIR in the police station.

On September 12, 2025, TPWODL’s enforcement team inspected the premises of consumer Smt. Subhasini Maharana of Muribahal (Consumer No. 912213010330). It was found that Shri Manoj Maharana s/o Smt. Subhasini Maharana had illegally reconnected electricity to his house even after the connection was earlier disconnected on January 2, 2025 due to non-payment of dues. A complaint was lodged in Muribahal Police Station (Case No. 195/2025) under Bolangir district on September 16, 2025 for necessary legal action.

Similarly, on September 13, 2025, another enforcement drive was carried out at Sindhekela, where the connection of consumer Mr. Arun Bag (Consumer No. 912124010536) was inspected. The team discovered that Shri Dhabaleswar Bag son of Mr. Arun Bag had also illegally reconnected power to his house after disconnection on July 26, 2024 for non-payment of dues. This act amounted to theft of electricity. Accordingly, a police case has been registered at Sindhekela Police Station (Case No. 237/2025) under Section 135 of the Electricity Act.

This is not out of place to mention that power, which is consumed by unauthorized means, is procured by the distribution company. The quantum loss of electricity consumed by unauthorized means is again loaded on to the consumers—those who consume in fair means and pay the bills regularly.The company has urged all consumers to refrain from such unlawful practices and clear their outstanding dues on time.