Team checking power theft attacked in Palwal; 15 booked

A team deputed by DHBVN (Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam) to check incidence of power theft from the supply lines was allegedly assaulted by some persons at Pingor village here on Saturday. The police have registered a case against 15 persons. However, no arrests have been made yet.

According to the complaint lodged with the police, the accused opposed the anti-power theft drive and assaulted the team. Some of them even snatched the mobile phone and cash from one of the team members. Nigam SDO Jagdeep Rohilla told the police that a four-member team had gone to check the complaints of power thefts in the village, when some residents assembled at the spot and asked it to stop the drive and go back. However, when the team continued with its duty, some residents started abusing them and assaulted them.

One of the accused, Shakil along with his brother-in-law Salim, attacked one of the employees with a knife, which resulted in injuries, forcing the employees to retreat. The accused also allegedly snatched his mobile phone and Rs 2,500 from another team member. The employees had to run for safety after the mob started attacking the team with sticks and other weapons.

A case of assault, threat and an attempt to disrupt officials from doing their duty had been registered against 15 persons, said Sanjay Kumar, a police spokesperson. The case has been registered under Sections 190, 191(3), 115(2) 118(1), 121(1), 221, 132,304(2) and 351(2) of the BNS Act. The police have identified seven of the accused so far. Sadar police station SHO Anil Kumar said the police had launched a probe and a manhunt to nab the accused.