LAHORE: Teams of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) detected on Thursday massive gas and power theft by the people in various parts of the metropolis.

According to officials, the SNGPL team conducted a raid at Shadiwaal village near Johar Town and disconnected direct bypass of gas installed on one diameter pipeline.

The gas was being used by as many as 70 houses through this unlawful network. The team also conducted another raid at Samanabad’s Pakki Thatti area and disconnected bypass of 3/4 diameter gas pipeline. The gas was being used by domestic network of approximately four to five houses.

During raids, the consumers offered stiff resistance. However, the team managed to curb the menace of gas theft. The team also submitted applications to the respective police stations for further legal action against gas theft. The consumers have been charged Rs2 million in the form of detection bill.

In another raid, a Lesco team caught some people red-handed for stealing electricity near Manga. The team also got cases registered against them besides serving them detection bill, according to a spokesman.

Published in Dawn, July 19th, 2019