South Gujarat faced a major crackdown on electricity theft, led by DGVCL (Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Limited). The operation spanned various regions, including Godadara in Surat city, and revealed illicit activities in 16 out of 1343 electricity connections checked. As a result, a whopping fine of Rs 1.14 crore has been levied.
The operation, meticulously planned under the supervision of GB Patel, Superintendent Engineer of the Vigilance Department, involved 33 teams. These teams started their inspection campaign at 8 am, covering areas such as Ankleshwar, Kamrej, Vyara, Navsari, Sachin, Godadara, and Bamroli.
The modus operandi of the theft primarily involved tampering with the seal of the meter box, interfering with the meter's functioning, bypassing the meter entirely, and making direct wire connections. Notably, the Vigilance Department team, led by officer VH Vesuwala, conducted a rigorous check at the Hojiwala Industrial Estate.
A significant discovery during the lab tests pinpointed Parul Dharmesh Dhorajia, who had manipulated the city incoming and outgoing wires of R-FEIZ in the terminal block. This tampering was detected due to a compromised seal on the meter box associated with his industrial connection. Consequently, Dhorajia now faces an electricity theft charge and a substantial fine of Rs 91 lakh.
