Hydel project MD arrested for power theft, released on bail

A top official of a mini-hydel project in Uttarakhand has been arrested in connection with a 10-month-old power theft case.

Managing Director of Rishiganga hydro-electricity project Ranjit Mehra was arrested here yesterday and sent to jail on charges of illegally consuming electricity at the company's guest house without applying for proper power connection, a police official said.

Meanwhile, the company approached a local court today and obtained Mehra's bail.

The power theft case surfaced after a power corporation raid at the hydel company's guest house in Raini village of Chamoli district.

The corporation had lodged a criminal case of power theft against the hydel company at Joshimath police station in January besides slapping on it a fine of Rs 3.20 lakh, Joshimath police station SHO said.