The AIADMK on Wednesday sought a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged power theft at Yanam by a steel company and demanded the arrest of those involved in the theft.
The power theft was reportedly discovered in Kanagadurga Castings in March 2012. The Electricity Department authorities assessed the tariff of the power stolen to the tune of `28.55 crore. As the period of power theft was not known, the department levied dues for one year, authorities said.
However, the company was given relief by the Madras High Court and told to pay only Rs18 lakh (one week dues for power theft) instead of Rs 28.55 crore charged by the government for a year of theft. Kanagadurga has complied the HC order by paying Rs 18 lakh and sought reconnection of the power supply. The department had appealed against the High Court order in Supreme Court, which had stayed the order of the High court.
Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, AIADMK state secretary and MLA A Anbazhagan, along with M S Saikumar, secretary of Yanam unit of AIADMK, charged that no action has been taken against the steel company for the offence. Instead, the government provided the company an option to pay Rs 7 crore as compounding fee in connection with the offence. No criminal proceedings has been initiated against the company. This was done with the approval of the Lt Governor, according to documents obtained by AIADMK under RTI. However, the company failed to pay the amount too.
The AIADMK alleged that officials of the Electricity Department at Yanam had acted in connivance with the steel company for the theft. Citing the report of the Anti Theft Squad (ATS), the AIADMK leaders said that the small device (circuit) used for the theft could not be installed in the transformer without the knowledge of officials of the department.
“The transformer was opened, its lubricating oil was taken out and then the device was installed for stealing power bypassing the metre reading,” said Saikumar. Thereafter, the lubricating oil was put back and the transformer was re-assembled. As the transformer was used for supplying power to the company alone, it went unnoticed, he added.
The AIADMK leader said that by collecting the amount lost due to power theft, the UT administration could lessen the burden on the common man who are reeling under the steep increase in power tariff.
The AIADMK also petitioned the Chief Secretary alleging power theft by industries and rice mills to the tune of Rs 150 crore and said that the case should be handed over to CBI for an inquiry as the local police was incapable of taking action.
