Serious allegations of electricity theft and administrative negligence have surfaced from Adinath Shantiniketan, a large residential complex in Mannivakkam on the outskirts of Chennai. The complex, developed by ASTON Constructions, comprises 428 housing units, of which 111 flats continue to operate without legal electricity connections even after nearly a decade of occupancy.
According to residents and whistleblowers, the affected flats, primarily located in the Aspen and Blue Bell blocks, have been illegally drawing power from the common electricity supply lines meant for elevators, lighting, and other shared amenities.
Despite prior complaints, inspections, and even penalties imposed by Tamil Nadu Electricity Board [Now renamed as Tamil Nadu Power distribution Corporation Ltd.,(TNPDCL)] squads, the illegal supply continues unabated.
Local TNEB officials in Vandalur Sub-station are alleged to be aware of the situation but have taken no substantial action, raising concerns about possible collusion. The ongoing misuse has led to frequent power outages, damaged fuses and lines, and even transformer breakdowns due to excess load. Residents report that electrical and electronic appliances, as well as essential utilities like lifts and motors, have suffered damage, particularly during the summer months.
According to residents, the illegal electricity drawn by 111 apartments is also being used for commercial activities by some a revelation that residents argue is another violation of the Electricity Act. Adinath Shantiniketan Residents Welfare Association(ASRWA) has also not taken any corrective measure to remedy the situation though being aware of the illegal act.
Adding to the controversy, ASTON Constructions is accused of deceiving authorities by executing a questionable gift deed concerning undivided share (UDS) land, a matter which the court reportedly ruled in favor of the residents’ association. However, critics argue that the association has not used this legal victory to enforce accountability or resolve the persistent power issue.
Residents now demand immediate and firm intervention from the TNPDCL and the Tamil Nadu government. “This is not just a legal violation but an ethical failure that’s costing residents peace of mind and putting lives at risk,” said a concerned homeowner who does not wish to reveal his identity.
With Tamil Nadu already grappling with growing electricity demand, citizens fear such unchecked illegalities will only deepen the state’s power crisis and undermine lawful consumers.
It is right time Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority(CMDA) who had approved and issued Building Completion Certificate in spite of several unfinished works in Adinath Shantiniketan Township and complete handover is yet to be done and Tamil Nadu Power distribution Corporation Ltd.,(TNPDCL)[Earlier named as TNEB and later named as TANGEDCO] who had given Electricity power connection should make a surprise inspection into the apartment premises.
The authorities of TNPDCL and CMDA after confirming about the Electricity power theft and other violations should initiate necessary and stern action against the violating residents and ASTON Constructions for the illegal power theft and other violations.
