Stolen smart meter SIMs raise security concerns in border villages; two more cases surface
Ferozepur, May 5, 2026: Incidents of SIM card theft from smart electricity meters in border villages of Ferozepur district continue to raise concern, with two fresh cases reported from village Churiwala, taking the total number of such incidents to eleven.
According to information, earlier nine cases had already come to light from villages including Tendiwala and surrounding areas. The latest cases involve two smart meters installed at the residences of two brothers, - Sulakhan Singh and Makhan Singh, where the SIM cards used for data transmission were found missing after the meter boxes were tampered with.
Residents reported that the theft came to light when the meter display stopped showing network signals, prompting inspection. Upon checking, seals were found broken and SIM cards removed from inside the devices.
It is learnt that investigating agencies are also examining a possible link between the stolen SIMs and cross-border smuggling activities. Sources indicate that such SIMs could be misused to transmit location coordinates for receiving consignments of narcotics or weapons via drones from across the border. In recent months, security forces have seized multiple drones in the region, though in some instances no consignments were recovered, raising suspicion about advance coordination using digital means.
Taking the matter seriously, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has constituted a committee to probe the incidents. A formal complaint has also been lodged with the police on the report and further investigations are also currently underway.
Officials stated that these SIMs are part of a machine-to-machine (M2M) communication system meant solely for transmitting electricity consumption data and are being monitored in coordination with the IT wing. Authorities have also initiated steps to block any potentially misused SIMs.
XEN Rajiv Kumar, PSPCL has strongly warned unscrupulous elements against tampering with smart meters. “Such activities are illegal and, if any individual is identified, strict legal action will be taken. People must refrain from interfering with government installations,” he said.
Police officials confirmed that they are examining all angles, including possible misuse, and assured that those involved will be brought to justice.