Mumbai: BEST cracks down on power theft under Dadar bridge

In a joint operation BEST, BMC and police removed illegal electrical connections, on Thursday. Pics/Ashish Raje

The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) removed numerous illegal electricity connections near Dadar Railway Station West on Thursday. Acting on a tip-off, BEST vigilance officers, along with Shivaji Park police and BMC G North ward officers, conducted a joint operation to dismantle these unauthorised connections.

Dadar West is a bustling area with thousands of daily commuters using local trains and numerous hawkers occupying the station vicinity. The space outside Dadar station is congested with unauthorised hawkers selling food, clothes, vegetables, and other items.

These hawkers have been tapping electricity from street poles and BEST electricity supply boxes under the bridge. They allegedly bypass proper safety measures and use the stolen electricity to operate their shops illegally under the bridge. A source stated, "The hawkers have been illegally tapping electricity for years without proper safety measures. They use it to power their shops under the bridge."

BEST spokesperson Sunil Vaidya confirmed, "Our vigilance officers acted on information about electricity theft under the flyover near Dadar Railway Station. We conducted a joint operation with BMC and police to remove all unauthorised connections. Given the heavy footfall of commuters in this area, there is a risk of electrical hazards. While no incidents have been reported so far, our officers are assessing the extent of electricity theft and the number of connections involved."

"We will file FIRs after completing our investigation," Vaidya added. During Thursday morning's operation, BMC cleared all hawkers from the area in collaboration with BEST and the police. However, unauthorised hawkers returned to their spots after the operation concluded.