Tripura Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath has ordered a statewide probe into electricity meter fraud. Following complaints about smart meter billing anomalies, a special task force was formed. Strict action is promised against all involved in tampering or fraudulent practices, with legal action pending against culprits.
The Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) has launched a statewide investigation into alleged tampering and fraudulent billing involving electronic meters, following the direction of Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath. In a firm statement, the minister warned that no one found guilty would be spared, regardless of their role.
Addressing a press conference in Agartala on Wednesday, Nath revealed that the investigation was prompted by a series of complaints related to irregularities in smart meter billing. “There have been recent grievances from consumers regarding the performance of smart meters and alleged billing anomalies. In response, I have instructed the formation of a special task force to investigate the matter thoroughly,” the minister said.
According to Nath, between December 2024 and July 2025, a total of 89,632 smart meters were installed across the state. During this period, 43,611 bills were generated in April, 58,048 in May, 73,593 in June, and 79,653 so far in July.
The special task force constituted on Tuesday night includes four senior TSECL officials: Shishir Debbarma (DGM), Rajib Kumar Roy (DGM), Sanjeeb Nandy Majumdar (Senior Manager), and Jahar Debbarma (Senior Manager). To assist consumers, two WhatsApp helplines—6033131966 and 6909981274—have been activated for smart meter-related grievances. The helplines are restricted to complaints regarding smart meters only.
One major case that brought the issue to light involved Ashok Kanti Das Ray, a resident of Lalsara in Khowai district, who recently received a shocking electricity bill of ₹82,000 after the installation of a smart meter. He claimed it was due to a technical error.
However, an investigation revealed that while a new smart meter was installed on June 25, his old analog meter remained functional, and over the years, the consumer—allegedly in collusion with a meter reader—had been submitting false readings, causing significant revenue losses. The inflated bill was a result of accurate dues being calculated after the smart meter came into operation.
“This clearly shows that both the consumer and the meter reader were engaged in fraudulent practices,” the minister said.
A show-cause notice has been issued to M/s TDS Management Consultants Pvt. Ltd., the agency contracted for meter reading services, on grounds of breach of contract and negligence. Disciplinary actions are also underway against both the meter reader and the consumer involved in the incident.
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The minister further cautioned that similar frauds may have occurred in other parts of the state and, therefore, a comprehensive, statewide investigation has been initiated to uncover any such malpractice.
Power Minister Nath concluded with a stern warning: “Anyone found guilty will face strict action. Legal proceedings will be initiated if necessary. No one will be spared.”
