Power theft in Patna’s police lines raises accountability questions

Patna: Allegations of electricity theft within Patna’s police lines in Lodhipur have raised concerns about accountability in law enforcement with Patna Electricity Supply Undertaking (PESU) officials pointing to retired police personnel as key offenders.The practice of drawing power through open-wire connections has long plagued the area. Several quarters have allegedly been occupied by people without legal connections. “We have tried several times to remove the bare cables, but were stopped by people living in the quarters, who do not cooperate and gather together to prevent it,” PESU general manager Dilip Kumar said.Vikram Kumar, executive engineer at PESU, said his team of six to seven people regularly patrols the police lines but often meets resistance.

“Since the people are police themselves, we are unable to file FIRs. Moreover, it is very difficult to identify and know the names of the illegal users as well,” he said. Officials, however, said FIRs can also be filed against unnamed people in such cases.To reduce technical losses, PESU has recently installed a new meter and increased the sanctioned load to about 60kW. Yet safety risks remain. “Safety is of primary concern in this matter,” said Vikram.

He warned that exposed wires could easily cause short circuits and endanger residents.Despite repeated communications with the sergeant major and other stakeholders, PESU officials said cooperation has been lacking. While electricity theft across Patna has reduced over the past two years after installation of aerial bunched (AB) cables, the police lines remain a glaring exception. Officials said even after illegal hooks are removed in the day, they are often reattached at night.Frustrated by the lack of progress, the PESU general manager said, “It is high time for us to make a move and we will now soon take this matter to the senior superintendent of Police (SSP).”Patna SSP Kartikeya K Sharma assured firm action if the matter is formally reported. “If such a matter is informed to us or comes into our notice, immediate action will be taken against the people and legal proceedings will take place accordingly,” he said.The episode highlights a troubling irony: when those entrusted with upholding the law are implicated in breaking it, public trust stands at risk.