LAHORE: The provincial police have escalated their campaign against electricity theft, resulting in the arrest of 23,439 suspects this year alone. The crackdown, which spans major cities including Lahore, has seen a total of 32,181 cases registered against individuals involved in the illegal diversion and tampering of electricity.
According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Police, the authorities have not only apprehended the suspects but have also expedited legal proceedings.
Challans for 20,268 cases have been finalized and submitted to the courts, demonstrating the police’s commitment to bringing the offenders to justice. The courts have already convicted and fined 2,521 individuals found guilty of electricity theft.
Lahore, the provincial capital, has been a significant focal point of the operation. A staggering 8,880 cases of electricity theft were registered in the city, with 9,922 arrests made in connection with these offenses.
Inspector General of Punjab Police, Abdul Karim, is reported to have issued directives to further intensify the crackdown.
Emphasizing the importance of protecting the national treasury, IG Karim has instructed the force to take decisive legal action against all those involved in electricity theft, without any discrimination.
Officials said the ongoing operation underscores the Punjab Police’s resolve to curb the menace of electricity theft, which not only causes substantial financial losses to the national exchequer but also poses serious risks to public safety.
