Illegal hook-line power use turns deadly in Tripura, power utility hit hard as honest consumer pay prices

At a time when Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) is moving steadily towards green energy, a safer power ecosystem, and a modern grid, the continued use of illegal hook lines is pushing the state’s electricity system into a zone of serious risk. What many see as a shortcut to save a few rupees is, in reality, a life-threatening practice that has repeatedly resulted in fatal accidents.

According to TSECL officials, drawing electricity through hook lines or by tampering with meters is not merely a violation of law; in many cases, it has proved to be a direct cause of death. Exposed wires, loosely drawn connections, and the use of electricity in rain-soaked or unsafe conditions together create a deadly trap. Several people in the past have lost their lives due to electrocution while installing hook lines or attempting to dismantle illegal connections. Electricity theft, therefore, is no longer just an economic offence but a serious threat to human life.

The impact of this dangerous practice extends far beyond individual households. Electricity theft has been causing massive financial losses to TSECL every year. Increased system loss, excessive load on the grid, and damage to infrastructure are becoming routine consequences. Ultimately, the burden falls on honest consumers who pay their bills regularly. In simple terms, power thieves benefit at the cost of law-abiding citizens, who end up bearing the indirect financial pressure created by illegal consumption.

To tackle this growing menace, TSECL has intensified both awareness campaigns and enforcement actions across the state. The vigilance wing of the corporation has been carrying out continuous anti-power-theft drives. From April to December 2025 alone, vigilance teams disconnected as many as 6,547 illegal hook lines. During the same period, 11,401 meters were inspected, and irregularities were detected in 1,357 meters.

These operations led to penalties amounting to Rs 2 crore 92 lakh 38 thousand 750 for offences related to hook-line theft and meter tampering. Of this, Rs 2 crore 50 lakh 18 thousand 697 has already been recovered. In addition, arrear electricity bills worth Rs 16 lakh 9 thousand 127 were collected during the drives. Officials say the figures reflect how alarming the scale of power theft had become.

The crackdown has continued with even greater intensity in the new year. Between January 1 and January 8, 2026, a total of 144 hook lines were detected and disconnected across Tripura. During this period, 233 meters were checked, and electricity theft was confirmed in 12 cases. Penalties worth Rs 7 lakh 55 thousand 600 were imposed, of which Rs 7 lakh 20 thousand 562 has already been realised.

On Thursday, January 8, 2026, a special vigilance drive was conducted in Agartala’s South Ramnagar and Joypur areas. The team disconnected 14 illegal hook lines and seized appliances used for power theft, including eight refrigerators, four televisions, two motors, three fans, one rice cooker, and two mixer grinders. A penalty of Rs 85,000 was recovered during the operation.

TSECL has issued a clear warning: using electricity through hook lines is a gamble with life. A small attempt to reduce a monthly bill today can lead to irreversible tragedy for families tomorrow. Beyond breaking the law, the social and human cost of such practices is enormous.

The corporation has urged all consumers to use electricity only through legal connections and appealed to responsible citizens to raise objections and share information whenever they notice power theft. Electricity theft causes not only personal and family-level damage but also a loss to the state’s resources. Preventing this menace, TSECL emphasises, is a shared responsibility that demands awareness, courage, and collective action from all sections of society.