Picture used for representational purpose only

NAVI MUMBAI: A Nerul resident's love for his pets has left him poorer by Rs 7.22 lakh. The state's power supplier billed this amount to Tarpan Ameen, a resident of Twinland Tower in sector 1, for allegedly pinching electricity to "keep his pet dogs in air-conditioned comfort" throughout the day.

Officials of the power supply firm, MSEDCL, claimed that Ameen had stolen power worth Rs 6.98 lakh. For this, he was slapped with a charge of Rs 24,000.

Ameen has three pet dogs. "He claims that one of these, a Golden Retriever, just could not do without the AC," said an official.

While details of how he "stole" power were not clear, officials said that Ameen had clandestinely got a direct connection from the building's electricity cabin and he was not being billed for this, said the official.

The matter came to light after an alert citizen complained to the power body. A team of officials led by superintendent engineer Rajaram Mane and executive engineer Sinhajirao Gaikwad raided the building

Ameen had illegally consumed 34,465 units of electricity, cost of which is estimated to Rs 6.98 lakh, said MSEDCL's public relations officer Mamta Pandey, "As he has now paid up the charge, including the penalty, we have not registered a criminal offence against him," said Pandey.

