Challenging Direct Theft Charge by BSES

Our old meter was replaced during a routine meter replacement drive. Both the meter seal & the meter terminal seal were found intact. However, bypass of the meter using two illegal wires were found in the terminal section of the meter after it was opened. Now we have received INR 1,20,000/- penalty notice, with an offer for up to 35% waiver at PLA. We don't want to settle as we have done no wrong. -The property in question was purchased by us in March 2017, and no meter tampering or meter bypass was ever performed by us. -Meter replacement report shared by BSES mentions that all seals were intact, including the one on the terminal area. -We have been paying regular bills, which seemed correct as per our usage. Their arguments are as follows: -Theft has been proven by illegal wires & we were the beneficiary. -Terminal area is only for covering the wires -A lot of meters have terminal areas exposed without any seal How to avoid the penalty and disconnection post due date?