Ramtek, India: Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has uncovered a massive electricity theft worth ₹1.15 crore at Taj Rice Mill in Deolapar, Ramtek taluka. This is the largest power theft case ever recorded in Vidarbha.

During an inspection on December 30, 2024, a team led by Additional Executive Engineer Vaibhav Narkhede detected irregularities in the industrial electricity meter. The team found an unauthorized cable connected to the main service line, bypassing the meter and allowing the mill to operate without recording its actual power usage.

Further investigation revealed that the mill had consumed 4.9 lakh units of electricity illegally over the past 12 months, causing a loss of ₹1.02 crore to MSEDCL. The mill's proprietor, Shafique Reer Ansari, has been booked under Sections 135 and 152 of the Electricity Act, 2003 (amended 2007). A penalty of ₹13.10 lakh has also been imposed on him.

MSEDCL officials have commended the inspection team for their meticulous work and reiterated their commitment to combating electricity theft to ensure fair and accountable power usage.