Power theft crackdown intensifies in Haryana: 397 arrests, Rs 32.28 crore recovered in 3 months
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, April 8, 2026 – The Haryana State Enforcement Bureau has stepped up its crackdown on power theft, launching a focused drive against habitual offenders, with 397 accused arrested across the state and ₹32.28 crore recovered in the first quarter of 2026.
Chairing a review meeting, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Navdeep Singh Virk directed officials to take strict and targeted action against repeat offenders, stressing that electricity theft is not just a financial loss but a serious criminal offence.
As part of the intensified campaign, cases are being registered under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003, with deliberate and habitual offenders being arrested and prosecuted. Between January and March 2026 alone, 90 individuals were booked and arrested in such cases.
Highlighting a specific case, officials said that on April 6, Ramesh, a resident of Kala village in Rewari district, was arrested in connection with five cases of electricity theft. Despite repeated notices to deposit penalties, he failed to comply and was subsequently charge-sheeted and produced before the District and Sessions Court in Rewari.
The Bureau has been actively identifying repeat offenders across districts, with enforcement teams carrying out coordinated action. Officials involved in the drive, including local police personnel in Rewari, have been commended for their efforts.
District-wise data shows a widespread crackdown, with arrests reported from Hisar (136), Jind (104), Gurugram (48), Sirsa (33), Fatehabad (30), and other districts including Faridabad, Bhiwani, Jhajjar, and Panchkula.
Alongside enforcement, the drive has led to significant revenue recovery. In the first quarter of 2026, ₹32.28 crore has been recovered, with major contributions from districts such as Faridabad (₹4.37 crore), Gurugram (₹4.28 crore), Hisar (₹2.20 crore), Kaithal (₹2.12 crore), and Ambala (₹1.98 crore), among others.
Senior officers, including Inspector General of Police Kuldeep Singh and Superintendent of Police Tahir Hussain, were also present during the review meeting.