SRINAGAR: The government of Jammu and Kashmir has initiated the process of registering FIRs against 272 consumers across Srinagar for tampering with smart meters, officials said on Saturday.
For several months, the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has been taking action against illegal hooking and tampering of smart meters across Kashmir. Several videos were uploaded on X by KPDCL, showing consumers tampering with the smart meters
The KPDCL has taken a step further and issued a list of consumers found tampering with the smart meters to the administration for legal action.
n this regard, a Technical Officer has issued an official communiqué to the Chief Engineer confirming 70 cases of smart meter tampering.
“Your immediate attention is invited towards the above-captioned subject and the enclosed reference received from Central Inspection Squad (CIS), KPDCL, regarding the tampering of smart meters installed,” it reads.
The list confirms 70 cases of smart meter tampering, with meters confiscated during inspections.
“I have been directed to inform you to direct the concerned SDOs of 11 Subdivisions detailed below to immediately lodge FIRs for tampering with Smart Meters in the Police Stations falling under the jurisdiction of the concerned Subdivision and furnish an ATR at the earliest,” the communiqué states.
As per the communiqué, 3 consumers are from Zakura, 21 from Baghat, 9 from Chanapora, 16 from Watalkadal, 3 from Hawal, 2 from Khunmoh, 9 from Huzuribagh, 3 from Zainakote, 1 from Karan Nagar, 2 from Nawa Kadal, and 1 from Raj Bagh.
Another communiqué mentions a list framed based on ‘meter cover-open’ tamper alerts received by the HES (Head End System) of the concerned AMISP. The communiqué highlights 54 connections from Watalkadal and 148 from the Chanapora area.
Officers are directed to immediately lodge FIRs for tampering of Smart Meters in the Police Stations under their jurisdiction.
Sources indicate that another list is being prepared, and action against them will be initiated soon.kno