Bengaluru: Former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy (HDK), who is in the centre of controversy over tapping electricity illegally for the illumination of his house in JP Nagar during the recent Deepavali festival, has paid a penalty of Rs. 68,526 to Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM).

Kumaraswamy told media persons yesterday, “I have paid the fine of Rs. 68,526 imposed by Vigilance Wing of BESCOM on the charges of drawing power connection illegally from the electric pole. But the Energy Department should clarify on the fine amount which is riddled with errors.”

Alleging that fine amount itself is legally incorrect, Kumaraswamy said, “I have permission for 33 KV power connection to my house. But only one KV electricity was used for illumination of the house. BESCOM has imposed fine for using 2.5 KV electricity, with the Officers calculating it wrong deliberately at the behest of others.”

 “The power consumed was 71 units for which even if the fine amount is calculated by three-fold it would be Rs. 2,526. But BESCOM had imposed a fine of Rs. 68,526, including the charge towards 33 KV power supply for which I have taken permission,” alleged HDK.

 If this is the case of a former CM to whom Energy Department has charged the additional amount in the bill without calculating it as per criterion, what would have happened in the case of a common man, asked Kumaraswamy.

“I have written to BESCOM to have a relook into the bill as I have already paid the fine amount and have sought their explanation in this regard. I know how BESCOM Vigilance Wing functions,” said Kumaraswamy venting his anguish at Officers too.

 “It was a mistake on the part of our boys by drawing electricity connection illegally for illumination for the house during Deepavali festival. I myself had expressed regrets in this regard and had even announced to pay the fine amount which I have done. But still I was branded as ‘Power Thief’ and the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister and several other leaders had issued statements in this regard,” Kumaraswamy rued.

Let them give info on power used by Lulu Mall

Former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has asked whether BESCOM Vigilance Wing will come out with the details on electricity consumed by Lulu Mall near Sujatha Talkies bus stop, six months before the Mall was opened to business.

In a sarcastic tone, Kumaraswamy said, “The bill  towards electricity consumed six months before the opening of the Mall hasn’t been paid. From where did they draw power, from the sky?”

The Congress leaders, who are calling Kumaraswamy as ‘Current Kalla’ (Power Thief) should also have a look at the ‘Bigger Thief’ sitting next to them. The high-tension wire line has been laid underground beneath the Mall. Let them (Officers) provide information on the fee paid towards this underground line. How did the high-tension line erected in front of Sujatha Talkies go inside? Was it done in the interest of people or in self-interest? asked Kumaraswamy.

When Mekedatu Padayatra was conducted from where did they tap electricity? Similarly from which meter the power supply was drawn during Kanaka Utsava at Kanakapura?  We have video evidence for all these.

“Better stop calling me as ‘Power Thief’ when you yourself is a Bigger Thief,” said Kumaraswamy.