Mumbai: Adani Electricity’s vigilance department has uncovered a large-scale power theft operation in the Siddharth Nagar locality of Andheri West, where electricity was being illegally supplied to approximately 60–65 homes without any official connection. The crackdown followed a tip received via the company’s official Twitter handle.
According to the police complaint filed by Adani Electricity, the primary accused, identified as Bhanu Mohammad Haq, was allegedly siphoning power from Adani’s main lines and operating an unauthorized electricity distribution network through rooftop wiring. He was reportedly collecting illicit monthly payments ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 from each household.
Mihir Afale, a senior Adani official, conducted a site inspection in the presence of independent witnesses. Using a tong tester, officials detected an active electrical flow of 18.23 amperes in the illegal wiring. It was confirmed that none of the electricity consumption was recorded on any official Adani meter.
The illegal setup was traced to a separate meter cabin, from where wires had been drawn to supply electricity to over 60 households, including both permanent homes and slum dwellings. During the inspection, several electrical appliances were found running, further proving active consumption.
Following the discovery, a formal panchnama (documentation of evidence) was conducted, and necessary materials were seized. Bhanu Mohammad Haq has been named the main accused, while Anita Mujmule has been listed as a witness in the case.
Andheri Police have registered an FIR under Sections 135, 138, and 150 of the Electricity Act, 2003. The estimated value of the stolen electricity is approximately ₹2.75 lakh. Further investigation is ongoing.
