HESCO Team Attacked During Power Theft Crackdown in Hyderabad

In recent years, electricity theft has become a significant issue in Pakistan, particularly in urban areas like Hyderabad. The problem not only affects the revenue of power distribution companies but also leads to frequent power outages, impacting the daily lives of citizens. The Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) has been actively working to combat this issue, conducting regular operations to disconnect illegal connections and recover outstanding dues. However, these efforts have not come without risks, as evidenced by a recent incident involving HESCO officials.

On October 2, 2024, a team from HESCO, led by SDO Operations Ali Murtaza Dal, faced a violent attack while carrying out their duties in Qasimabad, Hyderabad. The team was on a mission to disconnect power connections for outstanding dues exceeding 10 million rupees. During this operation at Al-Rehman Plaza, they identified over 40 illegal connections, which they proceeded to cut off. Unfortunately, this action provoked a hostile response from the power thieves, resulting in injuries to SDO Dal and several team members.

Following the attack, the local police were alerted, and a case was registered at the Naseem Nagar Police post. The Executive Engineer Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Sial and Superintending Engineer Rasheed Ahmed Ansari promptly arrived at the scene to assess the situation. In light of the incident, HESCO's Chief Operating Officer, Zulfiqar Ali Memon, emphasized the importance of cooperation between HESCO and local law enforcement to ensure the safety of their employees. He noted that the crackdown on power theft has intensified, which may have contributed to the violent backlash from those involved in illegal activities.

Moreover, HESCO's Chief Executive Officer, Muhammad Roshan Otho, took immediate action by contacting senior police officials to ensure that swift measures would be taken against the attackers. The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Tariq Razaq Dharejo, and Senior Superintendent of Police, Dr. Farrukh Lanjar, assured Otho that the police would work diligently to apprehend those responsible for the attack.

This incident highlights the ongoing struggle between utility companies and power thieves in Pakistan. While HESCO's efforts to combat electricity theft are commendable, the violent reactions from those who engage in such illegal activities pose a serious threat to the safety of employees. It is crucial for the government and law enforcement agencies to provide adequate protection to those working to uphold the law and ensure that essential services are delivered to the public. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how HESCO and local authorities will adapt their strategies to safeguard their teams while continuing to address the pressing issue of electricity theft.