Vigilance investigation bureau’s deputy superintendent of police Shashi Shanker Kumar, credited with the arrests of dozens of public servants for accepting bribes, ended up paying a penalty of Rs 50,000 for power theft.

Kumar was caught red-handed while pilfering power in his government bungalow near Hartali turning on Bailey Road on Thursday.

The theft was detected during a surprise raid conducted by a special task force (STF) constituted by the Bihar State Power (Holding) Company to check pilferage of electricity in the city.

The team subsequently informed the department officials, who imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on Kumar for the power theft.

Bihar State Power (Holding) Company’s public relations officer H.R. Pandey confirmed that a fine of Rs 50,000 had been realised from Kumar, who was allotted an official accommodation near Hartali Mor.

“I am not aware of the designation of the officer concerned or the department he is posted with. But it is a fact that the officer has been penalised for the offence,” Pandey told The Telegraph.

The news about the theft of power by the official of the vigilance bureau, the anti-graft cell of the state government, became a talking point at the state secretariat on Friday.

Several officers discussed the issue in a hush-hush manner. Some were shocked over the development because Kumar is known as an honest officer.

Director-general (vigilance) Pramod Kumar Thakur said: “I have heard about the matter. It is being verified. It will not be prudent to comment on the issue right now.”

A colleague of Kumar, on condition of anonymity, said the officer had shifted to the government quarters about three months ago.

He was earlier deputed as special officer to prevent “March loot” from the government treasuries located at Secretariat, Sichai Bhavan, Vikas Bhavan and Vishweshwaraiya Bhavan in Patna between March 11 and March 31.

Kumar could not be contacted for his comments despite repeated attempts. He did not respond to repeated calls from The Telegraph on his cellphone.

Sources said earlier, FIRs were lodged at the police stations concerned for power theft.

But now only the fine is realised from the person concerned under the new provisions of the Indian Electricity Act.

“These days the police have no role to play in matters such as power theft,” an officer said.