T’puram: KSEB has decided to buy 14 digital cameras for its 14 anti-power theft squads (APTS) to record evidence during inspections. The cameras will be used to photograph and record suspected power theft, meter tampering and other violations, with the recordings used in departmental proceedings and court cases.KSEB took the decision as APTS officials were using their own mobile phones to document inspections. KSEB said such devices may have to be produced in court and could be retained for a long time. This could cause inconvenience to the officials and raise concerns about personal data and the safe handling of official records.The dedicated cameras are expected to ensure that inspection evidence is recorded and preserved in a uniform manner. The move is aimed at strengthening the investigation and prosecution of power theft cases and ending the use of personal phones for official work.KSEB’s full-time directors approved the purchase at an estimated cost of Rs 5.6 lakh. An order issued on Aug 13 referred to provisions in Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (2023) and BNSS (2023), concerning digital evidence. The cameras will be purchased through Government e-Marketplace portal.The cameras will have high-resolution imaging, 30X zoom and the option to record full HD or 4K videos. They will also have date and time stamps, location and other recording details, memory cards, spare batteries and a two-year warranty.
