India, Oct. 13 -- Nearly half of the 30,932 power theft cases detected by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking over the past 33 years have come from just two civic wards-F North and G North, covering large parts of central Mumbai. With the thefts costing the utility nearly Rs.262 crore since 1993, BEST is now launching a crackdown in the worst-affected areas.

According to data compiled by BEST, these power theft cases over the last 33 years resulted in damages of Rs.261.72 crore, of which Rs.220.05 crore has been recovered.

The F North and G North wards, covering areas such as Matunga, Sion, Wadala, Dadar, Mahim, and Dharavi, together accounted for 15,061 cases, or nearly half of the total.

"Nearly 50% of t...