Locals gherao electricity office protesting repeated power cuts

Keonjhar: Irked by the continuous power cuts, locals on Monday gheraoed the electricity office at Old Bazar in of Keonjhar district. It is alleged that the people of the region have been witnessing frequent power-cuts for the last couple of months.

As per reports, the residents of the area appraised the concerned department authorities several times but no one paid heed to their woes. Left with no choice, they resorted to demonstration, said sources.

"Even in the scorching heat, repeated power cuts by the electricity department has deteriorated the condition of people here. So, we have come here to protest and continue till get a written assurance from the authorities," said a local, Priyabrata Mishra.

Responding to the allegations, SDO Pramod Kumar Nayak said, "We are forced to cut electricity due to regular issues like overloading, snapping of electric wire and other such reasons. However, we are trying our best to resolve the issue."

Till last report came in, police had reached the spot and managed to pacify the irate locals who later withdrew the agitation after getting assurance from the concerned authorities.