In a dramatic turn of events, three villagers from Deogarh district were arrested on Thursday for allegedly tying three workers of TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL) to an electric pole. The incident occurred as a protest against a prolonged power disruption that had left the area without electricity for four days.
Arrests and FIR
The electrical section officer of Tileibani, Prasant Behera, lodged an FIR at Reamal police station on Thursday afternoon against some villagers. Following the complaint, the trio was arrested. The accused were identified as Debadutta Behera (36) and Gajanand Sahu (39) of Dudhianali village, and Chandan Barik (39) of Mundabaira village. S Pradhan, ASI at Kansar police outpost, confirmed that further investigation into the case is underway.
Background of the Incident
According to sources, the incident took place in Dudhianali village under Tileibani block. The area had been without power for four days due to damage caused by a nor'wester storm. Villagers claimed that despite repeated complaints, restoration work had not been carried out. On Thursday, three workers arrived in Dudhianali to restore power supply, but agitated villagers allegedly detained them, tied them to an electric pole for over two hours, and demanded that senior officials of the electricity department visit the spot to address their grievances. The protesters even clicked a photograph of the tied workers and sent it to senior TPWODL officials.
Impact on Agriculture
The residents alleged that the prolonged power outage had severely affected agricultural activities, causing damage to crops and vegetable cultivation in the area. They claimed that repeated complaints had failed to yield any immediate solution, leading to frustration. Upon receiving information, officials from Kansar police outpost reached the village and talked to the agitated protesters, after which the irate villagers freed the three workers.
The incident highlights the growing frustration among rural communities over inadequate power supply and delayed restoration efforts. The arrested individuals have been remanded to custody as the investigation continues.
