Lucknow, June 12 -- Power authorities in Lucknow have intensified their crackdown on electricity theft, uncovering illegal power usage at two e-rickshaw garages where 35 vehicles were being charged through unauthorised connections. A joint team of the Vigilance Department and the Lucknow Electricity Supply Administration conducted raids in the Yaseenganj and Amberganj areas, which fall under the Azad Nagar Power Substation. During the operation, officials detected power theft at 12 locations, including the two garages allegedly drawing electricity illegally for commercial purposes. According to officials from the LESA Central Zone, the action was part of a targeted enforcement drive in areas reporting the highest line losses. The campaign was launched after a sharp rise in electricity consumption due to extreme summer temperatures placed additional pressure on the distribution network. Ravi Agarwal, chief engineer, LESA, central zone, said the illegal charging of multiple e-rickshaws not only results in revenue losses but also increases load on local transformers and distribution infrastructure, affecting the quality and reliability of power supply for legitimate consumers. All individuals found involved in power theft have been booked under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, which deals with unauthorised consumption and theft of electricity. The enforcement team said special surveillance has been initiated in high-loss pockets to curb power theft and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during peak summer demand. Authorities maintained that eliminating unauthorised consumption is essential for reducing line losses and providing consumers with stable, trip-free power supply. htc...