New Delhi, 23 July 2008

Press Release

Power theft @ Dhobhi Ghat

A ‘Five-Star’ Dhobi sent to Jail for stealing electricity

A well-to-do Dhobi sent to Jail for stealing power
Earlier, a BSES Enforcement Team had caught the Dhobi stealing 12 KW of power
Subsequently a penalty of around Rs 3.83 lakh was imposed on him
When the accused did not deposit the penalty, a case was filed in the Special Court
Dhobi was operating out of the Minto Road Dhobi Ghat in Central Delhi
Leading Drycleaners, Hotels, and affluent neighbourhoods outsource their laundry work to the Dhobis at the Minto Road Dhobi Ghat
In recent weeks, BSES enforcement teams have booked nearly 15 cases of power theft – cumulatively stealing around 160 KW of electricity at Minto Road Dhobi Ghat
Since July 2002, BSES has booked over 85,000 cases of power theft – cumulatively stealing over 5.85 lakh KW

Recently a Special Court of Electricity sent one Khalil Ahmed – a member of the ‘affable’ community of Dhobis – without whose help – our lives will come to a stand still – to jail. His crime! He was caught practicing his trade – of washing and ironing clothes – using stolen power.

Earlier, in December 2007, Khalil Ahmed, one of the bigger dhobis at Dhobhi Ghat, Press Road, near Minto Road in Central Delhi was caught stealing 12 KW by way of Direct Theft (DT). With help of a PVC wire, the Dhobi was caught illegally drawing electricity by tapping into the nearby BSES LV Mains. Subsequently, according to the provisions of the Indian Electricity Act 2003, a penalty of Rs 3.83 lakh was levied on him. When the accused failed to deposit the penalty amount within the stipulated timeframe, BSES filed a case in the Special Court in March 2008.

After hearing arguments of both sides and looking at the evidence presented by BSES, the Hon’ble Judge rejected the bail plea of the accused and sent him to judicial custody. Even the arguments presented by the Council of the accused, that his client was not stealing electricity and was regularly making payments to the owner of the meter – could not stand scrutiny. Though after spending a few days in jail, the accused was granted bail in his second attempt, but the Hon’ble Judge has refused to acquit the accused.

According to the people in the area, leading hotels, restaurants and other dry cleaners in the area and else where outsource their Laundry work to the Dobhis at the Minto Road Dhobi Ghat. Adding, Dhobis from the area also have a dedicated clientele among the affluent households in this part of Delhi.

“According to a BSES official, power theft in the Minto Road Dhobi Ghat area is around 40%. Most of the stolen power is used to work the heavy duty washing and dry cleaning machines. In recent weeks, BSES Enforcement Teams have booked around 15 cases of power theft in the area – cumulatively stealing around 160 KW”.

According to a BSES spokesperson “Since July 2002, BSES discoms have achieved considerable success in power theft reduction. During the period, they have booked over 85,000 cases of power theft – cumulatively stealing a whopping 5.85 lakh KW”.

BSES, Delhi’s premier power distribution company, is committed to ensuring quality and reliable electricity supply to all its consumers.

For further information please contact:

Prashant Dua	Chandra P Kamat
Corporate Communications	Corporate Communications
39999870 / 9312007822	39999088/9350130304