Pune, July 18 -- Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has launched a major crackdown on electricity theft in Pune, booking 1,281 consumers over the past 15 days and imposing penalties of Rs 81.55 lakh for allegedly stealing 3,40,730 units of electricity.

According to MSEDCL, criminal proceedings will be initiated against those who fail to pay the penalty.

The action was taken under Sections 135 and 138 of the Electricity Act, 2003, against consumers accused of tampering with electricity meters or drawing power through illegal direct connections. Misuse of electricity for purposes other than the sanctioned category also attracts action under Section 126 of the Act.

The special enforcement drive was launche...