LAHORE: The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has intensified its crackdown on electricity theft, exposing a major power theft during a night inspection in the Gulshan-e-Ravi area of the provincial capital. According to LESCO officials, a routine night checking operation conducted by the Northern Circle team led by Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Engr Hamra revealed excessive power usage on a domestic electricity connection. Further investigation uncovered an illegal jewellery manufacturing unit operating on the fourth floor of the premises using a residential power supply. Preliminary findings suggested that the consumer had been unlawfully using electricity for over one and a half years. An on-site assessment estimated electricity theft of approximately 33,000 units, resulting in a detection bill exceeding Rs 2.1 million. Officials confirmed that Rs 1 million was recovered immediately, while legal action is underway to recover the remaining amount. The LESCO authorities also suspended employees suspected of facilitating the illegal activity and ordered a formal inquiry into the matter. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026