Tripura steps up crackdown on power theft; Over 54,000 illegal hook lines removed in 8 years

The Tripura government has intensified its crackdown on electricity theft, adopting a strict zero-tolerance policy against illegal hook connections across the state.

Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath has directed the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) to take stringent legal action against those involved in electricity theft.

He said illegal connections not only cause financial losses to the government but also disrupt the power distribution system, affecting legitimate consumers.

According to the minister, illegal hooking often leads to voltage fluctuations and power outages in several areas, placing additional pressure on the electricity network. He has instructed the vigilance wing of TSECL to strengthen monitoring and enforcement activities across the state.

TSECL Managing Director Biswajit Basu said special vigilance teams are conducting surprise inspections in different parts of the state to detect illegal hook lines and meter tampering. He added that the corporation has intensified its anti-theft drive following the government’s directive.

Official data shows that 54,604 cases of electricity theft and illegal hook connections were detected between the financial year 2018–19 and February 28 of the ongoing financial year 2025–26. During this period, penalties amounting to more than ₹14.16 crore were imposed, of which over ₹11.21 crore has already been recovered.

In 2018–19, the corporation disconnected 9,652 illegal hook lines, imposing penalties of Rs 93.44 lakh, out of which Rs 81.31 lakh was recovered. In 2019–20, 7,119 hook lines were removed and Rs 71.20 lakh in penalties were imposed, with Rs 62.29 lakh recovered.

The drive continued in 2020–21, when 4,033 hook lines were disconnected and penalties of Rs 74.50 lakh were imposed, of which Rs 63.47 lakh was recovered. In 2021–22, authorities removed 4,075 illegal hook connections, imposing fines of Rs 60.80 lakh and recovering Rs 46.22 lakh.

The enforcement drive gathered momentum in subsequent years. In 2022–23, 4,782 hook lines were disconnected and penalties totaling Rs 1.01 crore were imposed, with Rs 66.05 lakh recovered. In 2023–24, 5,196 illegal connections were removed and Rs 2.62 crore in penalties were imposed, out of which Rs 1.72 crore was recovered.

The crackdown intensified further in 2024–25, when authorities removed 9,942 illegal hook lines and imposed penalties amounting to Rs 3.87 crore, recovering Rs 3.11 crore. In the ongoing financial year 2025–26, up to February 28, vigilance teams have already disconnected 9,805 illegal hook lines and imposed penalties worth ₹3.63 crore, of which Rs 3.18 crore has been recovered.

According to the monthly report, 83 major raids were conducted across various Electricity Sub-Division (ESD) areas in February alone. These operations led to the disconnection of 772 illegal hook lines.

During the raids, 1,643 electricity meters were inspected, and 186 meters were found to have been tampered with or involved in malpractice. Authorities imposed penalties amounting to Rs 37.75 lakh, while Rs 36.19 lakh was recovered, including outstanding dues. Additionally, 283 electricity connections were permanently disconnected for violating electricity rules.

Basu said electricity theft through hook lines not only results in significant revenue losses but also destabilizes the power distribution network, leading to voltage fluctuations and load-shedding in certain areas.

TSECL has appealed to the public to use only authorised electricity connections and to report any cases of power theft in their localities. Officials said strict legal action will continue against those found involved in illegal electricity use.

Authorities expressed confidence that the intensified anti-theft drive will help ensure a more stable and reliable power supply for consumers across Tripura.