Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited (AEML) on Monday disconnected 20 electricity meters of those with outstanding dues, and have so far booked around 175 consumers for alleged electricity theft after removal of their meters. Residents of Siddharth Colony at Chembur, where the action was taken, claim it was unjust and inhuman in the scorching heat of summer. Many say they will be forced to steal electricity now.

Almost 90 per cent of the residents of Siddharth Colony, home to 3,058 families, have not paid their power bills since 2004-2005, and owe the company about Rs 100 crore. In mid-March the AEML had asked them to pay the bills pending since June 2019, and given them 15 days to do so, failing which it would act. mid-day had reported on the issue in March.