Fake BSES 'officials' gang busted in Delhi

A gang of imposters posing as officials of electricity distribution company (discom) BSES to extort money from people in has been busted earlier this week, the discom said on Thursday.

"Posing as BSES 'enforcement' officials, this gang visited a residence of Narendra Kumar in south Delhi's Tughlakabad Extension, ostensibly to check the meter. Proclaiming that the meter was tampered, they tried to scare the resident - of the impending Rs 5 lakh fine that he will have to pay for power theft," a BSES release said here.

While local residents managed to catch two impostors, other managed to flee the scene, the discom said.

"Police was called and they were handed over. A search has been launched by police to apprehend the absconders, and an FIR has been registered at the Govindpuri Police station," the statement said.

"In another case, this time in Dilshad Colony, impostors, masquerading as BSES officials tried to con a resident," it added.

The discom said that in the last few months, seven impostors masquerading as BSES officials have been apprehended and FIRs registered.

Advising consumers to verify the identity of persons who visit their premises claiming to be from BSES, a company spokesperson said: "We once again appeal to our consumers not to get intimidated by the impostors and give them any money whatever be the reason. All enforcement (fines and penalties) and commercial payments are to be made only at designated BSES offices."

--IANS

bc/vd