Electricity Meter Inspection Row: TPCODL Staff Accused of Forcible Entry into Journalist’s House

Meter Allegedly Damaged to Establish Tampering; Journalist’s Wife Asked to Sign Document Amid Threat of Heavy Penalty; Journalist Warns of Legal Action if Justice Is Denied.

DILLIP KUMAR PATTNAIK

KHORDHA, NOVEMBER 5: Allegations of arbitrary functioning by certain employees of Tata Power Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) have triggered fresh resentment among electricity consumers in Khordha district. At a time when consumers are already expressing dissatisfaction over smart meter installation, replacement of service wires and the collection of Rs 1,128 as service charges for reconnecting snapped electricity lines, a recent incident involving a media professional has raised serious questions about the conduct of the company’s field staff.

According to the complainant, some TPCODL employees allegedly entered his residential premises in Khordha town on the pretext of inspecting the electricity meter when he was away from home. He alleged that the electricity meter installed at his residence was forcibly removed and damaged during the exercise.
The complainant further alleged that the employees subsequently recorded a video of the meter and claimed that it had been tampered with. They allegedly threatened his wife with a hefty penalty and warned that a case would be registered against her if the amount was not paid.

He also alleged that his wife was made to sign a document while she was under considerable pressure and apprehension. The incident has prompted the media professional to question the authority under which the employees entered his house in his absence, removed the meter and allegedly declared it tampered with without conducting an impartial examination.
Taking serious exception to the incident, the journalist has questioned the procedure followed by the field staff and demanded clarification regarding the alleged entry into his residence, removal of the meter and procurement of his wife’s signature on a document.

Following the incident, several journalists from Khordha met the Executive Engineer of TPCODL’s Khordha Sub-Division and apprised him of the matter. However, the journalists reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over the response received from the official, stating that their concerns had not been addressed satisfactorily.
Meanwhile, resentment among ordinary electricity consumers over the functioning of TPCODL is also reportedly growing. Allegations have surfaced that field employees are entering the houses of poor, middle-class and working-class families, declaring functioning electricity meters defective and pressuring consumers to install smart meters. There are also allegations of excessive penalties being imposed in the name of meter tampering.
Consumers have further alleged that, in some cases, they are initially burdened with substantial penalties, portions of which are subsequently waived during proceedings at Lok Adalats, while pressure is allegedly exerted on them to pay the remaining amount. Such practices, if established, could cause considerable financial and mental distress to economically vulnerable households.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of protests against TPCODL over alleged arbitrary practices, the retrenchment of temporary employees and harassment of electricity consumers. Recently, a large protest march was taken out towards Bhubaneswar, while demonstrations were also held in front of the Khordha Collector’s office, highlighting public dissatisfaction with the company’s functioning.
The aggrieved journalist has demanded an impartial inquiry into the incident, appropriate action against the employees found responsible and justice for his family. He has warned that he will seek legal recourse if the company authorities fail to address the matter and take appropriate action.
The incident has raised a larger question over the accountability of electricity distribution personnel and the safeguards available to consumers during meter inspections. Whether TPCODL authorities will conduct a transparent inquiry and clarify the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident remains to be seen.