Tampering with smart meters: Govt mulls to lodge FIR against 272 consumers in Srinagar

Srinagar: The government has initiated the process of registering FIR against 272 consumers across Srinagar for tampering with the smart meters, officials said on Saturday.
For the last 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 wherein it could be seen that many consumers were found tempering with the smart meters.
Now KPDCL has taken a step further and has issued a list of consumers, who were found tampering with the smart meters to the administration for taking legal action against them.
In 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 enclosed reference received from Central Inspection Squad (CIS), KPDCL, regarding the tampering of smart meters installed, it reads.
As can be seen from the list, CIS has confirmed 70 cases of smart meter tampering, after which they were confiscated during inspections, it added.
It further added that “in this connection, I have been directed to inform you to direct the concerned SDOs of 11 Subdivisions detailed below to immediately lodge FIR for tampering with Smart Meters in the Police Stations falling under the jurisdiction of the concerned Subdivision and furnishing of ATR at an earliest.”
As per the official 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.
In another communiqué, the KPDCL has mentioned the list framed on the basis of ‘meter cover-open’ tamper alerts received by the HES (Head End System) of the concerned AMISP.
In the same communiqué, 54 connections from Watalkadal and 148 from Chanapora area have been mentioned.
It has now been directed to officers to direct the concerned SDOs of the following 02 Subdivisions to immediately lodge FIRS for tampering of Smart Meters in the Police Stations falling under the jurisdiction, it read.
Sources said another list is being prepared and action against them will be initiated soon.