Alwar Power Theft Check Turns Violent: Four Electricity Department Staff Injured
A routine power theft inspection turned violent in Alwar district on Saturday morning. Four employees from the electricity department sustained injuries after a vigilance team faced a brutal attack. The incident occurred in Kathumar town, casting a shadow over efforts to curb illegal electricity connections.
Morning Raid Leads to Assault
The trouble started around 7 am. A vigilance team acted on a specific tip-off about illegal power connections. They reached a house located on Patti cremation ground road. Upon arrival, the team discovered two men actively stealing electricity. The men were drawing jumpers directly from a nearby pole.
When the officials caught them red-handed, the situation escalated rapidly. The accused individuals, along with their family members, allegedly launched a physical assault. They attacked the government employees with sticks and their bare fists. The violence was sudden and severe, leaving the team members injured and shaken.
Serious Injuries Reported
The attack resulted in significant injuries for the electricity department staff. Lineman Bachchu Singh Chaudhary suffered the most serious harm. He sustained a grave injury to his eye during the assault. Due to the severity of his condition, he was immediately referred to the Alwar district hospital for specialized treatment. He remains hospitalized and is currently undergoing medical care.
Three other officials also sustained injuries in the attack. Assistant Engineer Pramod Sharma, along with employees Rajkumar and Narottam Yadav, were treated for their wounds. Fortunately, their injuries were less critical. After receiving necessary medical attention, all three were discharged from the hospital.
Police Investigation Underway
Local police have taken swift action following the incident. They have registered a formal case against the attackers. The charges are serious and include obstructing government work, assault on public servants, and attempt to murder. The attempt to murder charge reflects the gravity of the injuries inflicted, particularly on the lineman.
Authorities are now actively investigating the case. As part of their probe, they are examining closed-circuit television footage from nearby areas. This CCTV evidence could be crucial in identifying all the individuals involved in the assault and understanding the full sequence of events.
Broader Implications
This violent incident highlights the risks faced by government employees enforcing regulations. Power theft is a persistent problem in many regions, leading to significant revenue losses for the electricity department. Vigilance teams often operate in challenging environments to detect and prevent such illegal activities.
The attack in Kathumar serves as a stark reminder of the dangers these officials can encounter. It raises concerns about the safety of personnel tasked with checking power theft and other forms of utility pilferage. The case will likely prompt discussions on providing better security for field staff during such operations.
