Allegations of Illegal Electricity Theft in Gandhigram Raise Questions Over Enforcement by Power Utility

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, June 11, 2026

Fresh allegations of electricity theft through illegal hook-line connections have once again brought the functioning of the state power utility under scrutiny. While many legal consumers continue to face periodic increases in electricity bills, residents have alleged that individuals using electricity illegally for extended periods often escape effective action from the authorities.

A recent complaint received by Tripurainfo appears to support these concerns. A respected resident of Gandhigram, located on the outskirts of Agartala, submitted a video allegedly showing an illegal hook-line electricity connection being used in the area.

According to the complaint, a resident identified as Krishna Das of Madhya Para (Debtila), Gandhigram, has allegedly been using electricity through an unauthorized hook-line connection for approximately 1.7 to 2 years. The complainant claimed that despite repeated complaints to the local electricity office at Kalibazar, no effective action has been taken against the alleged illegal connection.

Residents of the area have reportedly lodged several complaints with the electricity department demanding the disconnection of the unauthorized power supply. However, according to the complainants, officials have not taken any visible steps to address the issue.

The incident has reignited a long-standing public concern regarding the prevalence of illegal electricity connections in several localities. Residents claim that Gandhigram has numerous households where electricity is allegedly being consumed through hook-line arrangements, causing financial losses to the power utility and placing an unfair burden on legitimate consumers who regularly pay their electricity bills.

Local residents have also expressed suspicion that some field-level personnel responsible for bill distribution and maintenance work may be turning a blind eye to such illegal connections. Some have even alleged that these unauthorized connections continue to operate due to possible unofficial arrangements between offenders and certain local staff members. However, no evidence has been publicly presented to substantiate these allegations.

Electricity theft is a punishable offence under the law and can result in penalties, recovery of dues, and criminal prosecution. Experts point out that widespread power theft not only causes revenue losses but can also create safety hazards, increase system losses, and contribute to higher costs for honest consumers.

Residents are now demanding an impartial investigation into the allegations, immediate verification of the reported hook-line connection, and strict action against anyone found involved in power theft or negligence in enforcement.

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