The Tripura government has intensified its crackdown on electricity theft, adopting a strict zero-tolerance policy against illegal power use through hook lines. Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath has directed authorities to take firm legal action against offenders and ensure strict enforcement across the state.
The move aims to curb power theft, reduce financial losses, and improve electricity supply for genuine consumers.
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Government Orders Strict Action
Speaking about the ongoing drive, Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath said electricity theft causes heavy financial losses to the government and disrupts the power supply system.
He instructed officials to take strong legal action against those involved in illegal power connections.
“Power thieves will not be spared under any circumstances. Authorities must take all necessary legal measures to stop such practices,” the minister said.
At the same time, he urged consumers to cooperate with authorities and support the campaign against electricity theft.
Vigilance Operations Intensified Across State
Following the minister’s directives, Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited has strengthened vigilance activities across the state.
Managing Director Biswajit Basu said the corporation has increased raids and inspections in several areas. Officials now regularly check neighbourhoods to detect illegal hook lines and unauthorized electricity connections.
During these operations, enforcement teams disconnect illegal lines and initiate legal proceedings against violators.
According to Basu, stricter monitoring will continue to ensure that consumers follow electricity regulations.
Over 54,000 Illegal Hook Lines Disconnected
Official statistics show that enforcement teams have taken extensive action against electricity theft in recent years.
From the financial year 2018–19 to February 28 of the ongoing 2025–26 financial year, authorities detected and disconnected 54,604 illegal hook lines across the state.
During this period, officials imposed penalties exceeding ₹14.16 crore on offenders. Out of this amount, the department has already recovered more than ₹11.21 crore.
These figures highlight the scale of the anti-theft campaign and the government’s commitment to tackling illegal electricity use.
Enforcement Increased in Last Two Years
The data also shows that authorities intensified enforcement in the past two financial years.
In the 2024–25 financial year, officials disconnected 9,942 illegal hook lines. They imposed penalties worth ₹3.87 crore, of which ₹3.11 crore has already been recovered.
Similarly, in the ongoing 2025–26 financial year, enforcement teams have disconnected 9,805 hook lines as of February 28. Authorities imposed fines totaling ₹3.63 crore and recovered ₹3.18 crore so far.
These actions demonstrate the government’s consistent efforts to reduce electricity theft in the state.
Major Operations Conducted in February 2026
The vigilance squad remained particularly active in February 2026. During the month, officials conducted 83 major operations across different power sub-divisions.
During these raids, teams disconnected 772 illegal hook lines. They also tested 1,643 electricity meters to detect irregularities.
Officials discovered 186 tampered meters, indicating attempts to manipulate electricity consumption records.
Authorities imposed fines amounting to ₹37.75 lakh and recovered ₹36.19 lakh, including pending arrears. In addition, officials permanently disconnected 283 electricity connections for serious rule violations.
Electricity Theft Impacts Power Supply
Biswajit Basu explained that electricity theft creates multiple challenges for the power distribution system.
Illegal hook lines place extra pressure on the power network and often cause voltage fluctuations. In many cases, they also lead to load shedding that affects genuine consumers.
By preventing electricity theft, authorities aim to ensure stable and uninterrupted power supply across Tripura.
Authorities Urge Public Cooperation
The power department reiterated that hooking and meter tampering are punishable offences under electricity laws.
Officials warned that authorities will take stricter legal action against offenders in the future.
At the same time, the corporation appealed to residents to use only legal electricity connections and report suspected cases of power theft to the authorities.
According to officials, public cooperation will play a key role in ensuring fair electricity use and improving power services in the state.
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