By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – Three suspects have been arrested after an alleged confrontation involving a LESCO meter inspection team during an anti-power theft operation in Lahore’s College Road Sub-Division, officials said.
According to LESCO, the action was carried out under the directions of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Engineer Muhammad Ramadan Butt as part of the company’s ongoing campaign against electricity theft.
A LESCO team led by College Road Sub-Division SDO Irfan Ali detected a consumer, identified as Tahir Subhani, allegedly using electricity through a direct cable connection. The company said the meter was removed and further legal proceedings, including issuance of a detection bill, were initiated.
LESCO officials said Meter Inspector Afzal Bhatti was returning from the police station after submitting a report regarding the alleged power theft when some individuals stopped him. The official claimed that he was subjected to physical assault and threats.
With the assistance of local residents, three suspects were taken into custody and handed over to police. A case has been registered, while further investigation and efforts to trace other individuals involved are underway.
LESCO CEO Engineer Muhammad Ramadan Butt condemned the incident and directed authorities to ensure legal action against those found involved in electricity theft or violence against company employees.
Meanwhile, consumers in various areas have continued to raise concerns over service-related issues, including power interruptions, delayed complaint resolution and billing disputes. Residents often demand that while action against illegal connections should continue, electricity companies must also improve service quality and response mechanisms.
Energy sector experts have emphasised that reducing power losses requires a balanced approach, including strict action against theft alongside better customer facilitation and reliable electricity services for regular consumers.
Power theft remains one of the major challenges facing Pakistan’s electricity distribution system, causing financial losses for power companies and affecting supply management. Authorities have been conducting operations against illegal connections while encouraging consumers to use electricity through legal channels.
