Brahmapur: Two separate incidents involving alleged manhandling of frontline employees during routine electricity-related activities in Odisha’s Kabisuryanagar and Boudh have prompted TPSODL to reiterate its commitment to the safety, dignity and security of its staff working in the field.
In both cases, the company promptly coordinated with the local authorities, following which police action was initiated against the persons involved, TPSODL said in a statement on Saturday.
In the first incident on August 13, a team was carrying out a scheduled de-hooking drive against illegal electricity connections at Nayan Sahi, Barida village, under Kabisuryanagar jurisdiction. According to the complaint, a group of individuals obstructed the team’s official duties and the situation subsequently turned violent, resulting in injuries to a frontline employee. Other members of the team were also reportedly confined at the location. Following information about the incident, the police intervened and rescued the employees. FIR No. 0468 was registered at Kabisuryanagar Police Station against Munna Majhi, Samir Sahu and two unidentified persons, who, as per the record, were arrested.
In another incident on August 14, a meter reader carrying out scheduled meter reading and billing activities at Biswanathpur in Boudh district was allegedly manhandled following a dispute over an electricity bill. The employee sustained injuries, while his mobile phone was reportedly taken and the billing printer was damaged. Local staff immediately reached the spot and contacted the emergency response service. Subsequently, FIR No. 0343 was lodged at the local police station against Arjuna Nayak and four others, with police initiating legal action.
A senior company official said, “Our frontline employees work every day to provide essential electricity services to consumers and communities, often in challenging circumstances. Any form of violence, intimidation or obstruction of their lawful duties is unacceptable. We are extending all necessary support to the affected employees and are cooperating with the authorities in the legal proceedings.”
The company emphasised that consumer concerns and grievances should always be addressed through dialogue and established grievance-redressal mechanisms, rather than confrontation or violence. Employees engaged in meter reading, billing, maintenance, enforcement and other field activities are an important link between the electricity distribution system and consumers.
TPSODL also made it clear that any incident involving violence, threats, intimidation or obstruction of employees while discharging their official duties will be viewed seriously and dealt with strictly through appropriate legal and institutional mechanisms. The company will continue to work closely with the police and local administration whenever such incidents occur.
TPSODL reiterated that constructive engagement with consumers remains a priority and appealed to consumers and communities to cooperate with field personnel and resolve electricity-related concerns through appropriate grievance-redressal channels.
