SIM theft from Smart Meters in border villages under scanner; Officials deny mobile misuse
Ferozepur, April 25, 2026:Incidents of SIM cards going missing from smart electricity meters in border villages of Ferozepur district have raised concern among residents and authorities, prompting the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) to initiate action and inform the police for further investigation.
The issue has been reported from villages along the Indo-Pak border, including Tendi Wala, where locals alleged that SIMs installed in smart meters were found missing. Villagers expressed apprehension that the stolen SIMs could be misused and have urged authorities to conduct a thorough probe.
However, PSPCL officials have clarified that the SIMs used in smart meters are configured for machine-to-machine (M2M) communication and are not compatible with regular mobile phones. These SIMs are designed solely for transmitting electricity consumption data at fixed intervals to a central server, enabling real-time monitoring and billing.
Superintending Engineer (SE) Dharampal stated that the department has received complaints in a few cases and the matter is being taken seriously. “We are coordinating with the IT wing to examine any technical aspects and have initiated the process for police action wherever required. These SIMs primarily carry data and are part of a secure network system,” he said.
Meanwhile, SP (Headquarters) Manjeet Singh said that, so far, no confirmed case of misuse of such SIMs in mobile phones has come to the notice of the police in Ferozepur. “We have come across media reports suggesting possible misuse, but no complaint or evidence has been received locally. Our teams have been alerted, and any such activity will be thoroughly investigated,” he stated.
He further added that in the present technological era, any suspicious digital activity can be tracked, and those attempting misuse could face legal consequences.
Authorities have assured that investigations are underway to ascertain how the SIMs were removed and to prevent any potential misuse, while reiterating the benefits and security of smart metering systems.