Power Department Team Allegedly Attacked During Theft Inspection in Hisar
A team from the electricity department in Hisar district was reportedly assaulted while conducting an anti-power theft drive in Kajla village, located under the Agroha police station area. The incident has sparked outrage among employees, leading to union warnings of potential work stoppages if safety measures are not improved.
Details of the Incident
On Sunday, power department employees received a tip-off about illegal electricity consumption in a remote hamlet within the fields of Kajla village. Acting on this information, junior engineers Deshraj and Subhash, accompanied by linesman Satpal from the Agroha subdivision, arrived at the site to investigate.
The officials discovered that the main power line had been illegally tapped, with electricity being stolen openly. As the team began disconnecting the unauthorized connection, individuals present at the location started protesting. The situation quickly escalated into a physical altercation, with reports indicating that attempts were made to attack the employees using sharp-edged weapons. Fortunately, the staff managed to escape without sustaining any injuries.
Aftermath and Union Response
The employees alleged that they were obstructed from performing their official duties and subjected to misbehavior during the confrontation. Following the incident, a formal written complaint was lodged at the Agroha police station, urging strict action against those involved. Police authorities confirmed that an investigation has been initiated into the matter.
In response to the attack, members of the All Haryana Power Corporation Workers Union organized a gate meeting at the Agroha electricity office on Saturday to protest the incident. Key union figures, including block president Umesh Bora, senior vice-president Om Prakash, secretary Ramesh, unit president Vijendra Poonia, and treasurer Balbir Khichad, along with other employees, expressed strong resentment and condemned the assault.
Union Demands and Warnings
Union leaders issued a stern warning, stating that employees would cease conducting power theft inspections unless adequate protection is provided. They further declared that if the accused individuals are not arrested within two days, staff members will halt work, lock the office, and stage a dharna (sit-in protest) outside the premises. The union holds the government responsible for any potential disruptions in electricity services resulting from these actions.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in combating power theft and ensuring the safety of utility workers in the region.
