JOIN USThe vigilance wing of Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) has levied a record Rs 10 crore fine on a private firm for running an illegal power supply business.
The company, Aquamal Water Solution Private Limited (AWSPL), was supplying electricity to another firm after purchasing it from Bescom.
“The company had obtained the land on lease from Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board to set up its unit and has not only sub-leased the land and building to another firm but had also sold electricity to the lessee at a profitable price,” Mohammed Asif Khan, assistant general manager, Bescom, told Deccan Herald. Such an act by a consumer attracts fine under Section 42 (5) of KERC power supply and distribution code, said Khan.
Inspector (vigilance cell) Geetha, who was part of the raid team headed by Superintendent of Police A S Prakash Gowda, said that nearly 95 per cent of the land and building alloted to AWSPL has been sub-leased.
The firm has been given 21 days to explain its stance or appeal against the fine imposed before the competent authority. The power connection has been disconnected, Geetha added. The Bescom sub-division concerned has been informed to collect the fine and the investigation has begun.
Earlier, a fine of Rs 7 crore was levied on Karnataka State Slum Development Board for providing electricity illegally to 1,500 houses constructed by it at Ragigudda in JP Nagar here six months ago.
Another firm fined Rs 3 crore
In another case, the vigilance cell has levied a fine of Rs 3 crore on “Radha Textiles Private Limited” for supplying electricity illegally, reports DHNS from Bengaluru. The firm has also sub-leased its premises to another firm and was supplying electricity at a higher rate.