UNNECESSARY agitation of some troublemakers obstructed the installation of electricity smart metre project in Rampur area. Senior officers and field staff of power distribution company were manhandled, verbally abused and threatened by some persons for installing electricity smart metre. Surprisingly, some of the agitators who have smart metres at their residents, tried to provoke other consumers against installation of the same.

 

According to Cantt police, Dheerendra Kumar Kushwaha, posted as Junior Engineer, Madhya Pradesh Poorva Kshetra Vidyut Vitran Company (MPPKVVC) lodged a complaint that he, accompanied by team members Rita Choudhary, Akanksha Singh Parihar, Shubham Rai, Krishna Kumar Kachi and L N Patil, visited Neo Compound, on instructions from senior officials to replace old electricity meters with smart meters.

 

The team successfully removed the old meter at the residence of  Vishnu Rajak and installed a new smart meter. Soon after, three local residents, Gloria Alasis, Golu Rajak and Jabbar Ansari, arrived at the spot and began arguing in front of the gathered crowd. They opposed the smart meter installation and threatened the team, saying the meter must be removed or there would be consequences. The junior engineer charged that despite explaining that the work was being carried out under government orders, the trio misbehaved, created a scene and attempted to intimidate the team.

 

As the situation escalated, the engineer said he removed the newly installed smart meter and restored the old one to avoid further confrontation. The complainant added that the three individuals, acting together, obstructed government work and created fear. After the incident, the team returned to inform their senior officials. The junior engineer has requested formal action against the accused for disrupting official duties. Acting on the complaint, Cantt police have registered a case under Sections 132 and 3(5) of BNS while further investigation is underway to apprehend the accused.