Tribal Residents Allege False Power Theft Cases in Seraikela-Kharsawan
Key Points:
- Ward 9 residents in Adityapur lock electricity office in protest
- Consumers allege repeated false power theft cases and fines
- Officials absent, staff kept inside office throughout the day
JAMSHEDPUR – Tension rose in Adityapur on Monday after electricity consumers of Ward 9 locked the local power department office and held staff inside in protest.
The protesting residents, mostly tribal consumers, accused officials of filing false electricity theft cases against them. They claimed that despite paying fines, new cases were repeatedly lodged. Moreover, they alleged that officials demanded Aadhaar cards for restoring power connections, and later used police to register cases.
According to the consumers, these actions were deliberate harassment carried out on the directions of senior officials. They further said that department staff intentionally troubled them by filing repeated cases.
However, when attempts were made to contact departmental officers, none were found at the office. All officials and staff were reportedly absent. This absence worsened the situation and left consumers without answers.
On one hand, the Jharkhand government has announced free power for tribal households. On the other hand, consumers said they were being harassed despite such promises. “We are being punished again and again even after paying penalties,” said one resident.
Meanwhile, the protest continued throughout the day. The office remained locked, and staff were kept inside until late evening, showing the depth of consumer anger.
