HD Kumaraswamy accused of power theft; pays Rs 68,526 fine

Bengaluru: Former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said on Friday that he paid a fine of Rs 68,526 for using electricity from an unauthorized connection to light his JP Nagar residence during Deepavali.

Terming the fine as "unjust and excessive," he disputed the fine calculation and pointed out flaws in the FIR filed against him.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the JD(S) leader for his alleged involvement in power theft. Siddaramaiah stated that an FIR had been filed against Kumaraswamy for the offense and emphasized that mere repentance would not suffice.

Earlier, the Congress had criticised Kumaraswamy for adorning his house with lights during Diwali using a direct connection from a high-tension wire. The Congress asserted that Kumaraswamy should feel ashamed for resorting to power theft.

In response to the criticism, Kumaraswamy said the private decorator had obtained the direct connection without his knowledge, and as soon as he became aware of it, he had it removed.

"I have the morality to face challenges. I am an open book. I can handle the overpowering attempts and allegations by Congress. I did not indulge in the loot at the level of Congress. They had created a fake housing society to loot. They can't silence me," Kumaraswamy said.

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