Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh): Electricity Department has started tough action against consumers who have not paid bills in Jabalpur district. Teams with senior officers, linemen and police are cutting 300 connections daily to recover dues worth over Rs 24 crores.
During Corona period, the state government gave relief to 81,210 consumers by postponing their electricity bills. However, many people did not pay their pending amounts even after the scheme ended. Department data shows 7,185 consumers have not paid bills since August 2023, with total dues of Rs 24.95 crore.
The department has set a daily target of cutting at least 300 connections to tighten control over defaulters. Special teams formed in different divisions are conducting door-to-door action regularly. Officials say this campaign will continue until all outstanding amounts are recovered.
City Division chief engineer Sanjay Arora said strict action has begun against those with electricity bill dues. He appealed to consumers to pay their bills without delay, warning that connections will be cut and legal action may follow if needed.
Man accuses employer of assault, case registered
A man registered a case of brutal assault, kidnapping and robbery at Vijaynagar police station after being attacked by his employer and accomplices near Krishi Upaj Mandi.
Abhishek Gautam, who works as a driver under businessman Govind Gupta, reached the police station in injured condition on Tuesday night. He told officers that Govind Gupta called him to Krishi Mandi after he returned from Mandla with a vehicle.
When Abhishek reached the market, several people suddenly attacked him without warning. He alleged that Govind Gupta threatened to kill him by showing a knife while others beat him badly with sticks and rods.
The attackers forcibly took him to the garbage plant in Karonda State where they continued beating him for four to five hours. During this brutal assault, they stole Rs 4200 from his pocket, his mobile phone and his Hero Honda Shine bike.
Abhishek was beaten so severely that he became unconscious. His face, hands and feet show serious injury marks from the attack. When he regained consciousness, he immediately called his brother for help.
His family rushed to the location and took him to Vijaynagar police station to file a complaint. Police have registered an FIR based on his statement and started searching for Govind Gupta and his helpers.
Victim's brother Rohit Kumar Gautam said the attack happened due to money disputes between Abhishek and Govind Gupta. Abhishek is receiving treatment at a local hospital.
