A special squad and the Blue Brigade of the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) identified numerous illegal connections on the newly-laid JICA pipeline at Pothencode, Chenkottukonam and Sasthavattam areas coming under the Thiruvananthapuram Public Health Division of the KWA.

 The water utility has suspended the plumbing licence of Sivasakthi Engineering Works which, allegedly, arranged the illegal connections. Raids at Chenkottukonam and Sasthavattam areas revealed 12 illegal connections on the JICA pipeline. KWA officials have disconnected the illegal lines.

 An investigation revealed that one Sreekumaran Nair, who has a plumbing licence in the name of Sivasakthi Engineering Works, had arranged the connections after taking huge sums from individuals, the KWA said in a statement. The licence stands suspended until further notice, KWA officials said. The KWA has also asked consumers in the region who have taken new connections from the said plumber to contact the Assistant Executive Engineer, Water Works North Sub-Division, to ascertain whether their connections are legal or not.

 The officer can be contacted on 8547638186.

 The KWA had tightened monitoring of its facilities following reports that water theft and illegal connections were on the rise in the capital city. In fact, the special squad was formed to detect misuse and theft of water in view of the drought situation.

 The raids were led by Assistant Executive Engineer Chandrakumar and overseers Jose Paul, Manikantan and Sajeev. The police also accompanied the KWA team.