Law should take its course

After disconnection of electricity lines for not paying the electricity tariff, the government has taken a step forward to act against those who are found violating the norms by tampering with the recently installed smart meters across Srinagar. The reports have suggested that a list of 272 consumers across Srinagar has been prepared and forwarded to the concerned authorities to file a First Information Report (FIR) against them. Dozens of videos have been posted by the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) in which the power theft by the consumers were highlighted by the men on the ground and simultaneously, the names of several consumers have been forwarded for strict action after they were found allegedly involved in tampering with the smart meters. The case this time is not illegal hooking only, but the smart meter installed outside the residential houses have also been reportedly opened, which warrants action and thus the list has been prepared. A Technical Officer has issued an official communiqué to the Chief Engineer confirming 70 cases of smart meter tampering. As can be seen from the list, CIS has confirmed 70 cases of smart meter tampering, after which they were confiscated during inspections. Therefore, the people who have been found involved in opening the cases of smart meters should be dealt with strictly to ensure that the government’s initiative of providing free of cost meters is not hampered at any cost. Besides, those involved in tampering with the smart meters in such a way, should be asked to pay for the new smart meter so that the public amount is not wasted.